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swift

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adverb

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 directive prompted swift pushback from some department heads, with some agencies – like the Department of Defense – telling employees not to respond. Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025 Hwang Sun-jae, a sociologist who studies fertility norms, traces the swift dissemination of low fertility in part to social media’s role as an accelerant of global monoculture. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 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
Adjective
  • The report listed 17 recommendations falling under four categories: rapid access to housing and shelter; expanded overdose prevention; physical, mental health and substance use treatment; and collaboration with municipalities and unincorporated communities to reduce traffic deaths.
    Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Listen: The Five Eyes have noticed Hanging over the rapid dissolution of these old relationships is the question of who would lead in the United States’ absence.
    Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • Catch up quick: The outbreak started in Gaines County, Texas, a locality of roughly 23,000 people that is home to a community of Mennonites.
    Jaden Amos, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
  • These tools have made operations run quicker and smoother, saving time and boosting productivity.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The soccer-specific venue does brisk business with concerts and other non-sports events.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Flirting With Disaster is a brisk read, keeping readers turning the pages to find out who Meena will choose.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • State of play: Interstate 70 is getting a direct connection to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which means motorists will no longer have to detour onto surface streets and the scores of convenience stores, fast food joints and gas stations in Breezewood.
    Ryan Deto, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Unlike Season 47 that thrived after a slow burn of getting to know the players, Probst said Season 48 has a quicker pace filled with players that are fast, funny and ready to play.
    Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
Adverb
  • And Investor Changes In an ever-evolving market, the ability to swiftly adjust strategies in response to global economic shifts, technological advancements and changing investor expectations is crucial.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Instead, Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story was a hit for Netflix, swiftly becoming the second-biggest English-language release in Netflix history and rapidly clocking over a billion streaming views worldwide.
    Aja Romano, Vox, 4 Mar. 2025
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

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Cite this Entry

“Swift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swift. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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