fast 1 of 4

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fast

2 of 4

adjective

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2
3
4
5
as in sturdy
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion as the storm approached, we checked to see that every thing on the outside of the house was fast and locked in position

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in quick
having or showing quickness of mind I don't know how to operate this machine, but I'm a fast learner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fast

3 of 4

noun

fast

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verb

as in to diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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a fast response
a quick response
a timely response
a speedy response
a rapid response
a same-day response
a fast pace
an accelerated pace
a swift pace
a rapid pace
a quick pace
a frantic pace
a fast track
a focused track
an expeditious track
a quick track
a rapid track
an advanced track
a fast service
a quick-response service
an efficient service
a prompt service
an instant service
a timely service
a fast growth
a rapid growth
a drastic growth
a swift growth
a sharp growth
a strong growth

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fast contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fast are expeditious, fleet, hasty, quick, rapid, speedy, and swift. While all these words mean "moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity," fast and rapid are very close in meaning, but fast applies particularly to the thing that moves.

fast horses

When can expeditious be used instead of fast?

The words expeditious and fast are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment.

the expeditious handling of an order

When is it sensible to use fleet instead of fast?

While the synonyms fleet and fast are close in meaning, fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

In what contexts can hasty take the place of fast?

Although the words hasty and fast have much in common, hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness.

a hasty inspection

When would quick be a good substitute for fast?

In some situations, the words quick and fast are roughly equivalent. However, quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

When might rapid be a better fit than fast?

The meanings of rapid and fast largely overlap; however, rapid applies to the movement itself, rather than to the thing that moves.

rapid current

When is speedy a more appropriate choice than fast?

The words speedy and fast can be used in similar contexts, but speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment and may also suggest unusual velocity.

speedy delivery of mail

When could swift be used to replace fast?

While in some cases nearly identical to fast, swift suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement.

returned the ball with one swift stroke

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of fast
Adverb
Providing Only Generic Updates Blasting generic updates with no personalization tanks engagement fast. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 Huang added that the policies have cut the AI chip leader’s China market share from 95% to 50% and motivated Beijing to make its own chips faster. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 22 May 2025
Adjective
And after a third-place finish at the only other race he’s been in this year — the Daytona 500 — who’s to say Johnson can’t be the fastest again? Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2025 With a win Friday, the Braves, who began the season with seven losses, could’ve tied an MLB record for the fastest team to reach .500 after such a start: The 1945 Boston Red Sox started 0-7 and got to the mark in their 38th game. David O'Brien, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Noun
At sunset, families and friends break their fast with a meal that often begins with water and dates. Tim Meehan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025 Ramadan, when many Muslims fast daily from dawn to dusk, is also peak television season in the Arab world, when families watch shows late into the night after breaking their fast. Ismaeel Naar, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
On average, speedier walkers had a smaller waist circumference, weighed less, and had better grip strength and lower levels of metabolic risk factors, like fats and fasting glucose, measured in the blood. Simon Spichak, Health, 2 May 2025 Some research even reports that current marijuana users have fasting insulin levels 16% lower and insulin resistance 17% lower than non-users Obesity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes and for complications in those already diagnosed. Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fast
Adverb
  • Looking up height requirements in advance can avoid disappointment for kids who may not be quite tall enough for some rides.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Some are quite tolerant of drought and others prefer moist planting sites.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The consequences of warming will probably vary widely across the world, the report found: rapid thawing of Arctic sea ice, drier seasons in the Amazon, excess rain in places such as Alaska, northern Europe and the Sahel in north-central Africa.
    Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • Stocks covered in Thursday’s rapid fire at the end of the video were: e.l.f.
    Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some beauty companies, particularly those that offer a wide variety of cosmetics products, could see strong gains as U.S.-China trade worries ease and loyal consumers seek out their essentials on a budget.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 19 May 2025
  • One loyal patron even paddled in by kayak—a photo of it now hangs on the wall.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • The two have to be considered the tightest friendship pair in franchise history, and went through an emotional roller coaster filled with highs and lows along the way.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 22 May 2025
  • That might be tricky given New York’s tight cap situation.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • California’s attorney general, Rob Bonta, filed a suit against ExxonMobil last year that, in part, accuses the oil giant of deceptive claims regarding chemical recycling, which the company disputes.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
  • During the defense’s cross-examination of Kid Cudi, lawyers representing Combs portrayed Ventura as deceptive of both men.
    Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • It’s got all the gaming-friendly extras; HDR support, DP 1.4, HDMI, and a metal stand that actually feels sturdy for once.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 May 2025
  • The straps are made from a sturdy synthetic leather alternative that holds its shape more than other softer materials, but the interior of the straps and insoles are still lined with a light suede that’s gentle on the skin and comfy for full-day wear.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • But in the end, like so often before, their effort fell just short.
    Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
  • In a short address to the squad on Monday evening, Wiegman expressed, in front of Earps, sentiments of frustration, disappointment and anger at Earps’ decision before walking out of the room.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Shooting victim Sarah Milgrim remembered as 'a light' who fought antisemitism Israeli Embassy shooting: See the scene Real quick All American Rejects singer explains what's up with viral pop-up shows.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • This streamlines workflows, automates tasks and leads to quicker decisions.
    Stephen Litjens, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fast. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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