rapid-fire

adjective

rap·​id-fire ˌra-pəd-ˈfī(-ə)r 

1

: firing or adapted for firing shots in rapid succession

2

: marked by rapidity, liveliness, or sharpness

a comedian with a rapid-fire delivery

Synonyms

• blistering
• breakneck
• breathless
• brisk
• dizzy
• fast
• fleet
• fleet-footed
• flying
• galloping
• hasty
• hot
• lightning
• nippy
• quick
• rapid
• rattling
• snappy
• speedy
• splitting
• swift
• whirlwind
• zippy

Examples of rapid-fire in a Sentence

the witness stayed unruffled all through the prosecutor's rapid-fire questioning

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, thanks to a dazzling cast of young actors, Aaron Sorkin’s trademark rapid-fire dialogue and director David Fincher’s skill in pacing and scene creation, The Social Network becomes a riveting examination of modern-day American business and capitalism. —Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024

Association spokespersons tell Axios the rapid-fire openings could be a product of timing — many restaurants take two to three years to come to fruition, and that cycle is converging now. —Anna Spiegel, Axios, 11 Dec. 2024

Here’s a rapid-fire mailbag commentary, which answers nine questions from members. —Zev Fima, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024

Cohen made his fortune through his original hedge fund, SAC Capital, known for rapid-fire trades with a remarkable track record. —Paul Kiel, ProPublica, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rapid-fire

adjective

rap·​id-fire

ˌrap-əd-ˈfī(ə)r

1

: able to fire shots rapidly

a rapid-fire weapon

2

: marked by a rapid rate or pace

spoke rapid-fire Spanish