fastness

noun

ˈfas(t)-nəs How to pronounce fastness (audio)
Definition of fastnessnext
1
as in speed
a high rate of movement or performance the amazing fastness with which the boy took his shower had us wondering if he'd used any water

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stronghold
a structure or place from which one can resist attack the guerillas retreated to their network of hidden fastnesses deep within the mountains

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in loyalty
adherence to something to which one is bound by a pledge or duty his uncompromising fastness to the cause of freedom was beyond question

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 fastness Editors and contributors compare dozens of sets and look for qualities such as softness, durability, breathability, color fastness, and how well the linens launder and withstand wear. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Jan. 2026 Li said the color builds the familiar ring-dye, white-core look designers expect, then fades predictably in laundry while maintaining high light fastness (Grade 4–5) and strong anti-yellowing. — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 11 Nov. 2025 Like the pressing, the hard work mentality and fastness of transition for example. — Andy Jones, New York Times, 29 May 2025 The Neutral Ground had cowboys (or Cow Boys), Indians, cavalry attacks and rescues, and secret woodland fastnesses known only to the canniest frontiersman. — Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fastness
  1. speed
  2. stronghold
  3. loyalty
  4. velocity
  5. fortress
  6. allegiance
  7. bastion
  8. dedication
Noun
  • Allen hasn’t had that type of receiver since Stefon Diggs left Buffalo, and Moore’s speed and run-after-catch ability are likely to be big assets.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • But much of the program dispensed with speed to explore the other skills of the dogs — and their owners.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of speed
Noun
  • To a lesser extent, Republicans have traditionally also had districts that were unopposed in their strongholds with longtime incumbents.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed dominated college towns and university counties, while Haley Stevens won more than 60% in Detroit and carried traditional Democratic strongholds.
    — Andrew Cuomo, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of stronghold
Noun
  • She was briefly considered to be a Taiwan People's Party legislator candidate, but had backed out owing to questions about her loyalty and affiliation with China.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Determined to prove his loyalty, he’s been flying around on Seasmoke raising an army to retake Tumbleton on Rhaenyra’s behalf.
    — James Grebey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of loyalty
Noun
  • Retailers also need to watch cultural velocity, creator behavior, fandom dynamics, search patterns, ingredient conversations and the movement of lifestyle symbols across platforms.
    — Darko Pavic, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The weight of the projectile and its travelling velocity would generate enough momentum to bring down big castle walls in a few shots.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of velocity
Noun
  • The Rocca di Fregosa, a fortress atop a natural cliff overlooking the Marecchia River valley, dominates the hamlet visually.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Now, a selection of these objects are on view as part of a summer festival at the Damascus Citadel, a former military fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site that recently reopened.
    — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of fortress
Noun
  • One of two soaking tubs faces the terrace, inviting equal allegiance to indoors and out.
    — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Aniston and Holmes have both separately pledged their allegiance to this exact Jo Malone London perfume.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of allegiance
Noun
  • President Emmanuel Macron and others who regard Europe as the last bastion of liberal Western values?
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Choose a walk through the chalky Chiltern Hills, or make the 30-minute drive to Windsor Castle; a bastion of British royalty, it was founded in the 11th century and is the oldest inhabited castle in the world.
    — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of bastion
Noun
  • Her dedication to strengthening the local ecosystem through training initiatives and international collaborations is equally remarkable.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Developers also pointed to the dedication of a 60-acre park along the south side of the Boise River, named Margaret Aldape Park, after the matriarch of the Aldape family who had homesteaded the land for more than a century.
    — Rose Evans August 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of dedication

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fasting
fastness
fasts
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Cite this Entry

“Fastness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fastness. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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