swiftly
6 synonyms for swiftly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — In a fast or quick manner.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use swiftly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
act swiftly
move swiftly
respond swiftly
Etymology
From Middle English swiftly, swyftely, or swiftliche, from Old English swiftlīċe (“swiftly”), equivalent to swift plus -ly.
Full origin of swiftly →Frequently asked questions
What does “swiftly” mean?
The word “swiftly” means in a fast or quick manner. In plain terms, quickly, without delay.
How do you pronounce “swiftly”?
“Swiftly” is pronounced SWIHFT-lee (/ˈswɪftli/ in IPA).
How do you use “swiftly” in a sentence?
Here is “swiftly” used in a sentence: “The team moved swiftly to fix the outage.”
What part of speech is “swiftly”?
“Swiftly” is an adverb.
Is “swiftly” a common word?
“Swiftly” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between swiftly and quickly?
Swiftly and quickly are close synonyms meaning done in a fast manner, but swiftly often carries a slightly more graceful or elegant connotation, as in smooth, effortless speed. Quickly is more neutral and general-purpose, fitting almost any context involving speed. Both are adverbs describing how an action is performed.
Is swiftly formal or informal?
Swiftly leans slightly more formal or literary than everyday alternatives like fast or quick. It appears often in news writing, narrative prose, and official statements describing rapid action, such as a swiftly resolved dispute. It is still widely understood and used in everyday speech.
What kind of words does swiftly typically modify?
As an adverb, swiftly modifies verbs describing movement or action, such as move, react, respond, or flow. It commonly appears in phrases like acted swiftly or the river flowed swiftly, emphasizing speed without effort or hesitation.
