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Definition of fastnext
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fast

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adjective

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as in sturdy
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion as the storm approached, we checked to see that every thing on the outside of the house was fast and locked in position

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in quick
having or showing quickness of mind I don't know how to operate this machine, but I'm a fast learner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fast

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noun

fast

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fast contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fast are expeditious, fleet, hasty, quick, rapid, speedy, and swift. While all these words mean "moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity," fast and rapid are very close in meaning, but fast applies particularly to the thing that moves.

fast horses

When can expeditious be used instead of fast?

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

the expeditious handling of an order

When is it sensible to use fleet instead of fast?

While the synonyms fleet and fast are close in meaning, fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

In what contexts can hasty take the place of fast?

Although the words hasty and fast have much in common, hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness.

a hasty inspection

When would quick be a good substitute for fast?

In some situations, the words quick and fast are roughly equivalent. However, quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

When might rapid be a better fit than fast?

The meanings of rapid and fast largely overlap; however, rapid applies to the movement itself, rather than to the thing that moves.

rapid current

When is speedy a more appropriate choice than fast?

The words speedy and fast can be used in similar contexts, but speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment and may also suggest unusual velocity.

speedy delivery of mail

When could swift be used to replace fast?

While in some cases nearly identical to fast, 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 fast
Adverb
With the June 2 primary election fast approaching, the sparring among the candidates — especially in the crowded field of Democrats — is expected to intensify, with those leading in the polls fielding the brunt of the attacks. Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026 Few phrases shut down a conversation faster. John Bowe, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Incidentally, the pair also have the fastest orbits ever measured for an asteroid in the solar system, taking just 115 days to complete one circuit around the sun. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026 Importantly, the Amazon Fresh brand will continue online, where customers can shop for fast and convenient delivery. Annie Palmer, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
For example, some experts recommend consulting a healthcare professional to safely come off a fast instead of reverse dieting. Emily Brown, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025 Jews then partake in a festive after-fast meal, turning the evening into a yom tov (festival). Krys'tal Griffin, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
Good thing, because fast forward to 2026, and the house is back on the market, ready for those buyers. Gina Mayfield, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026 Now that Halloween has passed, some people are ready to fast forward to December, put up Christmas lights, and embrace the winter holidays and festive spirit — just ask Mariah Carey. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fast
Adverb
  • Flames quickly spread into the attic, turning what appeared to be a small flare-up into a major fire.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Joseline Garcia, who has led immigration defense efforts in the district by helping coordinate and train volunteers on how to respond to raids, said word of the agents’ presence spread quickly within a network of organizations and residents.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • His energy and passion for the subject are — like his involvement in it — quite surprising.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The dog was still sitting quite motionless, surveying the park.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Across the city, mutual-aid and rapid-response networks are coordinating food, rides, childcare, rent assistance, and medical support so families can keep living without exposing themselves to risk.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Kindred, which owns both Orange County facilities, has refused to pay workers enough to avoid rapid turnover that has contributed to understaffing.
    Pat Maio, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Gusler’s own loyalty to the character of the PR has been rewarded with a clientele that’s equally loyal.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2026
  • The Olay Regenerist line has tons of loyal users, like the Regenerating Serum and Vitamin C Moisturizer.
    Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • End-to-end humanoid control Figure claims Helix 02 demonstrates a major step forward in humanoid autonomy by performing continuous, multi-minute tasks that require tight integration of locomotion, dexterity, and sensing.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Metals from copper to aluminum have powered higher in the opening weeks of 2026, as global investors pile into industrial commodities in bets on tighter supply, a weaker US dollar, and Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts.
    Bloomberg News, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Locked doors, bloody bits in trunks, deceptive lovers with ill intentions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Even one of the more reputable internet weather personalities, Ryan Hall, whose YouTube channel staffs a team of meteorologists, and who has more than three million subscribers, often opts for flashy graphics and deceptive provocations to increase engagement.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In the mix, too, are the many shorter and more personal expressions around the event.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Instead, it’s funneled into systems that are long on slogans and short on accountability.
    Jennifer Nassour, Boston Herald, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fast. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

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