1
as in speed
a high rate of movement or performance
the amazing fastness with which the boy took his shower had us wondering if he'd used any water
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stronghold
a structure or place from which one can resist attack
the guerillas retreated to their network of hidden fastnesses deep within the mountains
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in loyalty
adherence to something to which one is bound by a pledge or duty
his uncompromising fastness to the cause of freedom was beyond question
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fastness
Editors and contributors compare dozens of sets and look for qualities such as softness, durability, breathability, color fastness, and how well the linens launder and withstand wear.
—
Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Jan. 2026
Li said the color builds the familiar ring-dye, white-core look designers expect, then fades predictably in laundry while maintaining high light fastness (Grade 4–5) and strong anti-yellowing.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 11 Nov. 2025
Like the pressing, the hard work mentality and fastness of transition for example.
—Andy Jones, New York Times, 29 May 2025
The Neutral Ground had cowboys (or Cow Boys), Indians, cavalry attacks and rescues, and secret woodland fastnesses known only to the canniest frontiersman.
—Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024
Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Jan. 2026
Li said the color builds the familiar ring-dye, white-core look designers expect, then fades predictably in laundry while maintaining high light fastness (Grade 4–5) and strong anti-yellowing.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 11 Nov. 2025
Like the pressing, the hard work mentality and fastness of transition for example.
—Andy Jones, New York Times, 29 May 2025
The Neutral Ground had cowboys (or Cow Boys), Indians, cavalry attacks and rescues, and secret woodland fastnesses known only to the canniest frontiersman.
—Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fastness
Noun
-
No, our purpose is to supplement, extend and update, so our politics may match the scale and speed of contemporary information and commerce, migration and ecology.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
Mitchell has a mix of speed and power.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Amnesty International said that attack took place in the village of Mussa near Sambisa Forest, a stronghold of militants from Boko Haram and its splinter group, an Islamic State affiliate known as the Islamic State West Africa Province.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 May 2026
-
Law enforcement officials said Guadalajara is a stronghold for the criminal group.—
Steve Fisher,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
This means that many of the brands on this list offer discounts, loyalty programs, and additional benefits.—
Jessica Bryant,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
-
Since Kempinski is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance, loyalty program members can also earn or redeem points (known as Discovery Dollars).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Summary The velocity of Tuesday’s intraday sell-off in semis was a reminder that this market is still highly crowded and more fragile than the closing tape suggested.—
Tony Zhang,
CNBC,
13 May 2026
-
The weather system is aligned with the planet's equator, but scientists have been unable to explain its immense size, velocity and its noticeably sharp leading edge.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
And by the turn of the twenty-first century, most of those tiny bungalows had been replaced by sprawling estates—fortresses for the entertainment elite, where Oscar trophies adorned mantels and wealth guarded from disaster.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
-
Its driver, Faisal, could not wait to see his father emerge a free man from this tan-colored fortress.—
Dan Barry,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Increasingly problematic for Musk, the looming fallout between OpenAI and Apple suggests their allegiance is not that deep.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
-
Vancouver Whitecaps teenager Rayan Elloumi, 18, will have the chance to build on his two caps since changing allegiance from Canada earlier this year.—
Jessica Hopkins,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
In that world, he’s been written off as old, washed, and a bastion of a game that’s passed him by.—
Sam Blum,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
At the bottom end of the peninsula, the town of Waimea is home to historic Parker Ranch, the Paniolo Heritage Center cowboy museum, and Merriman’s, a bastion of regional cuisine that many consider the best restaurant on the Island of Hawaii.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The community branch of sustainability is equally visible in the number of on-island partnerships with local businesses and the dedication to sourcing as much as possible from nearby farms and purveyors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
-
In addition, Rancho Santa Fe residents Susan and Bill Hoehn received the Peggy Matthews Legacy Award at the event for their decades of service and dedication to the mission of The Salvation Army and many other organizations, the news release stated.—
Rancho Santa Fe Review,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fastness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fastness. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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