swift 1 of 2

adjective

ˈswift How to pronounce swift (audio)
Definition of swiftnext
as in rapid
moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed the sleekest, swiftest boat ever to have sailed in the regatta

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

swift

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adverb

as in quick
with great speed tried to cross the swift-flowing river

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective swift contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of swift are expeditious, fast, fleet, hasty, quick, rapid, and speedy. While all these words mean "moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity," swift suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement.

returned the ball with one swift stroke

When can expeditious be used instead of swift?

The words expeditious and swift are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment.

the expeditious handling of an order

How are the words fast and rapid related as synonyms of swift?

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

fast horses

When would fleet be a good substitute for swift?

The synonyms fleet and swift are sometimes interchangeable, but fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

When is hasty a more appropriate choice than swift?

The meanings of hasty and swift largely overlap; however, hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness.

a hasty inspection

In what contexts can quick take the place of swift?

Although the words quick and swift have much in common, quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

Where would rapid be a reasonable alternative to swift?

In some situations, the words rapid and swift are roughly equivalent. However, rapid applies to the movement itself, rather than to the thing that moves.

rapid current

When could speedy be used to replace swift?

While the synonyms speedy and swift are close in meaning, speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment and may also suggest unusual velocity.

speedy delivery of mail

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 swift
Adjective
Given that many cardiac arrest events happen outside of a hospital or medical setting, swift intervention by a bystander can be the difference between survival and a poor outcome. —Peace Madueme, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025 Those moves have drawn swift criticism from Democrats and even some crypto enthusiasts who support Trump. —Alan Suderman, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
Adverb
As of Monday, Golden Police Chief Bill Kilpatrick and Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Schrader are restricting water activities on Clear Creek because of swift-moving water and floating debris. —Kirk Mitchell, The Denver Post, 1 July 2019 By The Numbers 5 The forecast for Colorado’s 2019 whitewater rafting season: Rad, thanks to epic snowfall this winter that will likely spell swift-moving rivers. —Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post, 19 June 2019 See All Example Sentences for swift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swift
  1. rapid
  2. quick
  3. brisk
  4. fast
  5. swiftly
  6. soon
Adjective
  • Mint must be properly managed to control its rapid spread.
    — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Sure, Premier League clubs were generally profitable at that time — rapid growth in TV rights deals had not yet been caught up, and then trampled over, by the unremitting surge in player wages — but only Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool booked a bigger surplus over those six years than United.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of rapid
Adverb
  • The Shift is a regular feature to catch up quick on what's happening in Arkansas' economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
    — Worth Sparkman, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025
  • New technology such as genetic sequencing of environmental DNA and real-time imaging is making the identification of new marine species quicker and easier, but scientists still rely on collecting physical specimens for confirmation, which can be slow work, Taylor said.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of quick
Adjective
  • Because of this, the BF tends to prefer a setting around ISO 400 and very brisk shutter speeds in bright conditions.
    — PCMAG, PCMAG, 14 Mar. 2025
  • At a Brisk Walking Pace (4 mph) At a brisk walking pace of 4 miles per hour, 10,000 steps (5 miles) would take about 75 minutes, or 1.25 hours.
    — Emily Brown, MPH, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of brisk
Adjective
  • But while Greenlaw was an instinctive and fast learner who started 14 games as a rookie, including 73 snaps in the Super Bowl, Winters has been slower in developing.
    — Matt Barrows, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Advances in training algorithms help reduce development costs and accelerate training processes, enabling faster iteration and innovation.
    — Vaibhav Dani, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of fast
Adverb
  • Countermeasures swiftly came through from the U.S.′ trading partners.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Japanese actor Koki is swiftly building an international profile that spans continents and genres, from dual roles in a Japanese horror film to sword fighting in 18th-century Britain.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of swiftly
Adverb
  • The question, which figures to be answered very soon: What happens at quarterback?
    — Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Deputies arrived at the temple around 9:13 a.m. and soon notified Chino Hills Code Enforcement, whose officers are tasked with maintaining the appearance and safety of property in the city.
    — Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of soon

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Cite this Entry

“Swift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swift. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on swift

Nglish: Translation of swift for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about swift

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