rapid

adjective

ˈra-pəd How to pronounce rapid (audio)
Definition of rapidnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 The swarm, a cluster of earthquakes in the same area in rapid succession, began July 8. —Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 14 July 2025 The fire's rapid growth prompted mandatory evacuations for North Rim residents and visitors. —Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025 Front and rear are single pieces that can be quickly swapped and the air diffuser, engine cover, and bonnet are also made for rapid removal and replacement. —New Atlas, 14 July 2025 Earnings season will also pose a key test to the sector after a rapid run-up in valuations. —Matt Ward-Perkins, CNBC, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rapid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rapid
  1. quick
  2. brisk
  3. fast
  4. swift
  5. galloping
  6. speedy
Adjective
  • Chicago police and City Hall officials were quick to note that the shooting was targeted and the victims didn’t live in the neighborhood.
    — Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
  • And 3) The other social media platforms have been quick to allow the swap.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025
Definition of quick
Adjective
  • Another takes a brisk walk around the block between back-to-back meetings.
    — Ashley B. Stewart, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • This special lid prevents splashes from brisk walks and works to keep any heat (or cold) from escaping.
    — Kayla Kitts, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Definition of brisk
Adjective
  • There's no denying annual smartphone releases have settled into a routine—flat glass slabs with slightly faster processors and better cameras.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025
  • These strategic moves could reshape how fast renewable power is deployed, who controls it, and whether communities benefit equitably.
    — Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of fast
Adjective
  • The decision was met by swift condemnation and a legal challenge from San Francisco International Airport officials and its legal team which argued the new name would confuse travelers and was a copyright infringement.
    — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
  • The internet, never one to wait for context, responded with swift certainty, and social feeds lit up with familiar refrains: Hill was late again.
    — Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
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
  • The artist was in Times Square last week to offer his latest corrective, unveiling a massive bronze statue of a young African American man in urban streetwear sitting astride a galloping horse.
    — NBC News, NBC News, 7 Oct. 2019
Definition of galloping
Adjective
  • This could be helpful for homes with kids with varied interests or in my home, where a speedy, 55-inch TV in the living room is the best screen available by far.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 5 July 2025
  • Most travelers hope for speedy security lines and simple layouts at airport — but some of America's travel hubs apparently soar above the rest.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2025
Definition of speedy

Browse Nearby Words

rapes
rapid
rapid eye movement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rapid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapid. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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