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

4 of 4

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
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2025 Spoilers are about to drop faster than A.B. Wynter. Andy Swift, TVLine, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Pros: Faster airflow translates to a faster aircraft compared to one using a ramjet system. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2025 Double your monthly payment The fastest way to pay off debt is to double your monthly payment or make extra payments toward the principal of the loan. Kevin Harper, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
In some regions, work hours are adjusted to accommodate the fast. Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 The faith community is also planning a 40-day fast or boycott of Target due to its retreat from DEI efforts starting on March 5. Betty Lin-Fisher, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
Iftar is a meal that breaks fasting during Muslims' Ramadan holy month observations. Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2025 According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), abstinence applies to Catholics aged 14 and older, while fasting (eating only one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal) is required for those aged 18 to 59. Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fast
Adverb
  • This isn’t quite the same thing, because Pornchai isn’t the heir to a family fortune and intends for a more straightforward partnership.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Meeting with a financial advisor could be quite beneficial to you now.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • These abundant growing vegetables (or fruit?) produce at such rapid speeds that planting them too close together is asking for problems, like stunted growth, plant disease, and a smaller harvest.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2025
  • According to a 2024 study published by Realtor.com, Texas accounted for 15 percent of new housing permits issued across the U.S., despite only making up 9 percent of its population, helping to keep prices and rents relatively cheap despite the rapid inflow of people.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But the biggest blemish on his career in the eyes of Trump’s most loyal followers is voting to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial over the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Whether your loyal friend has paws, feathers, or scales, take time to recognize their essential role in your life.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the hands of a demonstrator familiar with this track’s tight corners, the car is capable of nausea-inducing changes of direction thanks to its ability to pull 1G laterally.
    James Morris, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • As the film progresses and the soundproof, indestructible walls of the vehicle close in tighter, the look and feel of the film intensifies and continues to build as Hopkins’ William becomes increasingly psychotic, using the programmed vehicle to, basically, torture its captive.
    Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Stricter consumer protection laws worldwide mean businesses face mounting scrutiny and potential legal repercussions for deceptive claims.
    Anjali Chaudhry, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Issues concerning the scheme arise when the business utilizing it sells the data of consumers without proper consent or for deceptive purposes, as this could violate laws, the company said.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Blue Jackets signed another college free agent on Wednesday, adding stout and sturdy defenseman Caleb MacDonald from the University of North Dakota on a two-year entry-level contract that begins next season.
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • These insights shaped every detail of the grill—from the cook engine to the closed cabinet that discreetly hides the gas tank to the sturdy stainless-steel handle, a signature of Weber quality.
    Tim Clark, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The group’s music and imagery spoke to him, but so did the tale of Morrison’s short, tumultuous life and, especially, his death, which has always been shrouded in some mystery.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The short float is 5.64%, a higher metric than the others listed here.
    John Navin, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Swedish forward was given a quick audition during the Sens’ blowout loss to the Avalanche earlier this week.
    Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Each unit is equipped with stylish sofas, a Lululemon Studio Mirror for quick workouts, beautifully tiled bathroom floors, Grown Alchemist bath products, and even a Marshall Bluetooth speaker for in-room dance parties.
    Jessica Vadillo, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fast. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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