Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective rapid contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rapid are expeditious, fast, fleet, hasty, quick, speedy, and swift. While all these words mean "moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity," rapid applies to the movement itself, rather than to the thing that moves.

rapid current

When would expeditious be a good substitute for rapid?

Although the words expeditious and rapid have much in common, expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment.

the expeditious handling of an order

How are the words fast and rapid related?

Both fast and rapid are very close in meaning, but fast applies particularly to the thing that moves.

fast horses

When is it sensible to use fleet instead of rapid?

The meanings of fleet and rapid largely overlap; however, fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

In what contexts can hasty take the place of rapid?

While in some cases nearly identical to rapid, hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness.

a hasty inspection

Where would quick be a reasonable alternative to rapid?

The synonyms quick and rapid are sometimes interchangeable, but quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

When can speedy be used instead of rapid?

In some situations, the words speedy and rapid are roughly equivalent. However, speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment and may also suggest unusual velocity.

speedy delivery of mail

When might swift be a better fit than rapid?

The words swift and rapid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 rapid Their rapid appearance is due to refining border-crossing transportation to include shipments by rail. Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2025 Idaho residents’ property taxes have seen steep increases amid the area’s rapid population growth in recent years, especially in the Treasure Valley, the Statesman previously reported. Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 28 Mar. 2025 As the number of consumers grows, the research firm projects rapid, simultaneous growth for the e-commerce market in the country. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 27 Mar. 2025 And while the technology is improving at a rapid pace, healthcare professionals remain cautious about relying too heavily on its advice and feedback. New Atlas, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rapid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rapid
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
  • In a telephone call on Tuesday, the Russian leader slammed the brakes on Mr. Trump’s desire for a quick cease-fire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, agreeing only to stop attacks on energy infrastructure.
    Michael D. Shear, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For new mothers without medical complications, the experts recommend a combination of activities such as brisk walking, cycling and muscle-strengthening exercises for at least 120 minutes per week—ideally spread over four or more days.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
  • To achieve their signature white color and brisk flavor, the stalks of Asparagus officinalis require a signature treatment: a growing season without a hint of sunshine.
    Yolanda Evans, AFAR Media, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Archway Homes can pay cash and close in as fast as three days.
    Archway Homes, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Players can get off to a fast start by activating either offer.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Knowledge of actual prices will empower employers and unions to design affordable health plans with billing and payment integrity and will allow swift remedy and recourse for overcharges.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
  • His swift actions were critical in stopping the attack and preventing further harm.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As his health faded in the last year of his life, Neruda rushed to finish his story, which gives the last chapters of his book a galloping, fragmented quality.
    Tunku Varadarajan, WSJ, 25 June 2021
  • The artist was in Times Square last week to offer his latest corrective, unveiling a massive bronze statue of a young African American man in urban streetwear sitting astride a galloping horse.
    NBC News, NBC News, 7 Oct. 2019
Adjective
  • Breezing with dispatch around the speedy Neoequos and Madaket Road, who had been a pacesetters up the backstretch, Tappan Street took his almost electrically precise stride well outside the fading duelists to lay down his burst of power.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Several Hawks couldn’t say for sure who’s the speediest.
    Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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