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 As businesses navigate rapid technological change and shifting workplace expectations, local-level leadership is increasingly shaping how global strategies land. — Francesca Cassidy, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026 Signs of heat stroke include high body temperature, hot/red/dry or moist skin, confusion, rapid pulse. — Oc Register, 11 Aug. 2026 Charlotte’s rapid growth and high cost of housing may help explain why the region’s increase has been sharper than the state’s, Watkins-Cruz said. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026 On the 575th Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including the rapid collapse of Gianni Infantino’s FIFA investment plan. — Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rapid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rapid

Adjective

General Daily Insight for August 07, 2026 The mood gets quicker and more curious today.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Virgo August 23 – September 22 Your public life may need quicker decisions and cleaner messages.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of quick

Adjective

Founded by a former lawyer turned bookseller and Pasadena native Dan Whitmore, the store is doing brisk business among a younger clientele that still values the tactile pleasures to be found from beautiful books.

— Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
Pick up apple cider donuts at Breeze Hill Farm before taking a brisk trek through any one of North Fork’s idyllic nature preserves—Orient Beach State Park, Sound View Dunes Park, and Laurel Lake Preserve are some of our favorites.

— Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of brisk

Adjective

Rhyne Howard became the fastest player in WNBA history to record 100 made three-pointers in a season, doing it in just 31 games.

— Christopher Harris, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Jen Gauthier, Raytheon’s vice president for Naval Systems & Sustainment, said the demonstration supports faster development of autonomous undersea capabilities.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of fast

Adjective

Padalecki, a mental health advocate, tweeted a supportive message to Hilton, but quickly deleted it following swift backlash.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Since videos of OpenAI’s first brand trip hosting business and tech influencers hit social media timelines, the backlash has been swift.

— Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 10 Aug. 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

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“Rapid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapid. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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