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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
According to the study’s authors, streamers hoping to compete in a fast-paced, globalized market should increase their diversity efforts in light of these results. Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026 Their Neat Glass technology allows water to slick off faster and leave less beading, letting these windows stay cleaner longer. Alora Bopray, USA Today, 17 June 2026
Adjective
The demonstration comes as the Pentagon continues to search for faster, cheaper, and more sustainable ways to defeat drones. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026 Herz’s point in the Harvard Medicine piece underscores this emotional states have a strong effect on physical well-being, and scent is one of the fastest ways to nudge an emotional state. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2026
Noun
The fast can also continue into Easter Vigil, which takes place on Holy Saturday night. Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2026 The Lenten fast is traditionally broken with tsoureki, magiritsa (a lamb soup finished with avgolemono sauce), and a bowl of red Easter eggs. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
Such an option allows users to find segmented tied to particular areas of interest, rather than having to fast forward through an hour or two of a linear program to find a moment. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 19 May 2026 Shortstop Shae Anderson couldn’t get a hold of the ball fast enough to throw to first base, and the error allowed Lamar to reach base. Haley Sawyer, Daily News, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fast
Adverb
  • Chris Tanouye / Getty Images Head coach Karl Smesko said the key was how quickly his team adjusted after a shaky first quarter.
    Christopher Harris, CBS News, 15 June 2026
  • Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 14 June 2026
Adverb
  • Looking to be quite aggressive in a football sense and always looking for the solution and what can happen instead of worrying about what the problem is.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • Nothing stings quite like being steps from getting your credit card out to make a glorious purchase, and finding that your promo code isn’t working.
    Hannah Chubb, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Similar rapid advancements occurred with chemistry in the 19th century and physics in the 20th century, and the 21st century will go to biology and medicine.
    Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 16 June 2026
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • The thing everyone, from the NCAA’s fiercest critics to its most loyal defenders, understood had to remain nonnegotiable.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2026
  • The New Britain native was popular and enjoyed the support of loyal followers.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Starter Eric Lauer battles erratic fastball command and early damage yet completes six innings, while the Rays’ Nick Martinez matches him before a bullpen misstep to Rojas decides a tight opener.
    Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
  • Security was tight at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday night at the first of seven World Cup matches in South Florida.
    Al Diaz, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • The suit alleges the group, known widely as WPATH, made deceptive claims about gender-affirming care for minors and that its members profited off the claims.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 June 2026
  • Grand Canyon’s rim-to-river routes can be deceptive because the steepest physical test comes on the way out, after hikers have descended into hotter terrain, experts say.
    Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
  • Seek shelter in a sturdy structure until the storm has passed.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • Anyone hoping to see intricate short passing has been sorely disappointed thus far.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
  • An affordable wellness retreat typically falls in the budget-to-mid-range tier, roughly $1,000 to $2,000 for a week-long stay, or under $500 per night for shorter trips.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fast. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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