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
The water had receded by Tuesday night and search and rescue and swift water rescue teams were scouring the town for the missing people, while public works crews cleared debris from the roadways. —Morgan Lee, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025 If the bad news is swift and severe, then the Fed will have to scramble. —Danny Bakst, Fortune, 9 July 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
  • Excessive drinking, eating, and urinating or weight changes in children: See a provider if your child is suddenly drinking, eating, or urinating more than usual, or if there’s a rapid change in weight.
    — Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
  • Trump had for months resisted pressure from Kyiv and NATO allies to turn the screw on Putin, engaging directly with Russia and distancing from Ukraine in the hopes that smoothing U.S. relations with Moscow would bring about a rapid end to the war.
    — Shane Croucher John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Definition of rapid
Adverb
  • Basically, the Earth is going to rotate quicker than usual.
    — Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 9 July 2025
  • On the road, a Launch Mode and Launch Cam helps drivers go quick fast and record themselves while doing it, with some statistics presented, perhaps for social media.
    — Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 8 July 2025
Definition of quick
Adjective
  • 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
  • Another takes a brisk walk around the block between back-to-back meetings.
    — Ashley B. Stewart, Forbes.com, 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
Adverb
  • Ramaphosa, whose rise to the highest office was built on promises to fight corruption, has been under pressure to act swiftly as political parties and citizens said the allegations called into question the integrity of the criminal justice system.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • Barca is considered to have pulled off a major coup by beating a number of top European clubs to his signature, and paying just a few million dollars to land him from Copenhagen. Ahead of the weekend, the Swede of Moroccan descent landed in the Catalan capital and swiftly passed a medical.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of swiftly
Adverb
  • Reynolds said that his niece has cuts and bruises all over her entire body, but should be released from the hospital soon pending blood work.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2025
  • At the bar, under a modern ceiling work by decorative artist Fanny Chaix Bryan, Printemps will organize events in partnership with Moët Hennessy, such as a cognac tasting scheduled soon.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 7 July 2025
Definition of soon

Browse Nearby Words

swerving
swift
swiftly
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Cite this Entry

“Swift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swift. Accessed 20 Jul. 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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