fleet 1 of 2

Definition of fleetnext
as in convoy
a group of vehicles traveling together or under one management a fleet of buses rolling down the highway

Synonyms & Similar Words

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fleet

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fleet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fleet are expeditious, fast, hasty, quick, rapid, speedy, and swift. While all these words mean "moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity," fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness.

fleet runners

When could expeditious be used to replace fleet?

In some situations, the words expeditious and fleet are roughly equivalent. However, 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 fleet?

Both fast and rapid are very close in meaning, but fast applies particularly to the thing that moves.

fast horses

When is it sensible to use hasty instead of fleet?

While in some cases nearly identical to fleet, hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness.

a hasty inspection

When would quick be a good substitute for fleet?

The meanings of quick and fleet largely overlap; however, quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time.

a quick wit

When can rapid be used instead of fleet?

The synonyms rapid and fleet are sometimes interchangeable, but rapid applies to the movement itself, rather than to the thing that moves.

rapid current

In what contexts can speedy take the place of fleet?

Although the words speedy and fleet have much in common, speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment and may also suggest unusual velocity.

speedy delivery of mail

Where would swift be a reasonable alternative to fleet?

The words swift and fleet can be used in similar contexts, but 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 fleet
Noun
Waymo is issuing a sweeping recall of its autonomous vehicle fleet following a concerning incident that highlighted significant safety issues with the self-driving technology. Staff, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026 The rebates run $7,500 to $120,000 and can be applied toward the purchase of new electric medium‑ and heavy‑duty commercial vehicles, including drayage trucks, electric semis, box trucks, delivery vans and other fleet vehicles. Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
Adjective
The fleet feet of Nikki Meletidis created an opportunity in the 38th minute. Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026 Moth Days, in a relatively fleet process, got about a year and a half. Christopher Bonanos, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fleet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fleet
Noun
  • Though our traveling party was relatively large with a dozen guests and several guides, the experience felt intimate, since we were divided up into a convoy of Land Rovers.
    Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026
  • When their convoy is brutally ambushed, they are left handcuffed together and, on the run, forcing her to put her life in his hands.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Now, a new study suggests researchers may have found the first drug regimen capable of rapid and sustaining relief from suicidal thoughts across a broad group of patients.
    Ariana Eunjung Cha, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
  • Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, the deputy secretary-general, said that given the high level of movement of people and goods across the region, coordinated preparedness and rapid information sharing are essential to preventing cross-border transmission.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Yellow split peas, horse gram, chickpeas, brown lentils and moth beans — Iyer assembles an armada of more than 15 different types of legumes for the Legume Curries chapter.
    Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 11 May 2026
  • Following the United States’ launch of Operation Epic Fury late last month, Iran deployed its own armada of light-weight, low-cost attack drones.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • If your cardiorespiratory fitness could use a boost, Gavino said a wide range of physical activities can help, including aerobic activities like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and interval training.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 13 May 2026
  • Even a 10-minute brisk walk or a 30-minute gardening session can have benefits.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • The caravan is also raising awareness and support for service members and their families through a partnership with the United Service Organizations, aka USO.
    Lisa Gutierrez May 15, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026
  • The caravans leak during the rainy season and become ovens during the summer.
    Annie Hylton, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The vessel targets operations close to shore where traditional warships face higher risks from drones, missiles, mines, and fast attack craft.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026
  • If the position has reopened or enough time has passed, reaching back out to these candidates is one of the fastest ways to generate a qualified hiring pipeline.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • The notion advanced by France and Britain, in particular, that a European flotilla should exercise a role only when the shooting is definitively over, is futile.
    Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026
  • The flotilla’s latest attempt to reach Gaza comes less than a year after Israeli authorities foiled a previous effort by the group.
    Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • Airy and breathable, these temperature-regulating pants feature an elastic waistband that’s quick and easy to pull on, and comfortable enough to wear for hours on busy travel days.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
  • Sharpen the service with a quick in-room tutorial on lights, a/c, curtains, and handy bedside tablet.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fleet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fleet. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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