RAPID Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

rapid

adjective

ˈra-pəd

Definition of rapid

as in quick

moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed the rapid descent of the roller coaster made me feel very queasy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Since then, Europe has picked up the tab and Kyiv has built up its own defense industry at a rapid pace. — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 This is the experience of some students in the state and it is being further complicated by the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, rising college costs and limited exposure to jobs before graduation. — P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 Their operational training regularly includes rapid rope insertions from heights of 100 feet or more. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Forecasters warned residents in those cities and surrounding neighborhoods to move to higher ground as rainfall could cause rapid flooding. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rapid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rapid

Adjective

Here’s a quick primer on the leading agents and tips for how to start.

— Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Naz Reid struck fire midway through the fourth, executing, in quick succession, plays on both ends of the court.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of quick

Adjective

Most dogs benefit from two brisk daily walks of 20-30 minutes.

— Will Boyd, Baltimore Sun, 17 Oct. 2026
Los Javis, working with editor Alberto Gutiérrez, keep things moving, and the film’s two-and-a-half-hour running time moves at a surprisingly brisk pace.

— Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of brisk

Adjective

In March 2026, China approved the world’s first commercially available brain-computer interface medical device, a milestone that pointed to ambitions extending well beyond low-cost production or fast-follow imitation.

— Ruby Wang, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
The uptick in earnings came as factory-gate prices rose at their fastest pace since mid-2022, driven by higher energy and raw material prices amid the Middle East conflict.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of fast

Adjective

The Royals made swift changes by reassigning hitting coach Alec Zumwalt and clearing out their entire training staff.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
The storm on Wednesday that may have spawned a tornado was one in a barrage of strong storms across Southern California this week that caused localized flooding, strong rains and high winds, including a swift-water rescue in Los Angeles.

— Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of swift

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
Designed by renowned architect Dominique Perrault, its four stories tilting forward are said to evoke a galloping horse.

— Rob Hodgetts at Longchamp, CNN, 15 Oct. 2019

Definition of galloping

Adjective

Jonathan Aranda singled, and the speedy Chandler Simpson slapped a base hit down the left-field line.

— Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Under Utah's state constitution, victims and their representatives have a right to a speedy resolution to their case.

— Michael Ruiz , Jamie Vera, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of speedy

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“Rapid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapid. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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