Another Word for Fast: 18 Synonyms with Examples
“Fast” means moving or happening at speed. It also has older senses, such as firmly fixed. Synonyms help pin down the meaning.
As an adjective: able to move or happen quickly
- quick
- rapid
- speedy
- swift
- brisk
- high-speed
- nippy
As an adverb: quickly
- quickly
- rapidly
- swiftly
- speedily
- briskly
- hastily
As an adjective: firmly fixed
- secure
- firm
- fixed
- tight
- fastened
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- quick
- Often about time taken rather than speed of movement.
- rapid
- Formal; common for change, growth and decline.
- brisk
- Pleasantly quick and energetic: a brisk walk.
- nippy
- British and informal: small and quick, as of a car.
- secure
- For the “fixed firmly” sense: “hold fast” means hold securely.
Example sentences
- quick: Can I ask you a quick question?
- rapid: There has been a rapid rise in prices.
- brisk: We went for a brisk walk along the beach.
- nippy: It's a nippy little car for city driving.
- swiftly: The firefighters moved swiftly to clear the building.
Opposite of fast
- slow
- sluggish
- leisurely
- loose
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “fast”. Check the meaning before you use one.
noun: fasting
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “fast”?
The most useful alternatives are “quick”, “rapid”, “speedy”, “swift”, “brisk”. For the main sense (able to move or happen quickly), “quick” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “quick” and “rapid”?
quick: Often about time taken rather than speed of movement. rapid: Formal; common for change, growth and decline.
What is the opposite of “fast”?
Common antonyms are “slow”, “sluggish”, “leisurely”, “loose”.