“Quickly” means at a fast speed or without delay. The best synonyms are fast, rapidly, swiftly, promptly, and speedily. “Fast” is the most common and natural alternative. Each synonym has a slightly different meaning and context where it fits best.
Top 10 Synonyms
- Fast
- Rapidly
- Swiftly
- Promptly
- Speedily
- Briskly
- Hastily
- Immediately
- Instantly
- Shortly
“Quickly” is one of those words we use constantly. We do things quickly, speak quickly, move quickly, and respond quickly. It’s useful, but using it too often can make your English sound repetitive and basic.
Think about it. You can walk quickly, eat quickly, reply quickly, or learn quickly. Each situation might need a different word that captures the exact type of speed.
In this guide, you’ll learn 35 powerful synonyms for “quickly.” You’ll discover exactly when to use each one, how formal they are, and what common mistakes to avoid. Let’s begin!
What Does “Quickly” Mean?
Definition
“Quickly” means at a fast speed, in a short time, or without delay. It describes how something happens. Whether you’re moving, thinking, reacting, or completing a task, “quickly” tells us it happens fast. It’s an adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Pronunciation
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| US IPA | /ˈkwɪkli/ |
| UK IPA | /ˈkwɪkli/ |
| Syllables | 2 (quick-ly) |
| Tip | Stress the first syllable: “KWIK-lee” |
Grammar
| Grammar Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Part of Speech | Adverb |
| Common Position | Before the verb or at the end of a sentence |
| Typical Pattern | Subject + quickly + verb / Subject + verb + quickly |
Examples:
- “She quickly finished her homework.”
- “He ran quickly to catch the bus.”
- “Please respond quickly to the email.”
Grammar Note: “Quickly” is an adverb that describes how an action is done. It’s the adverb form of “quick.”
Word Family
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Quick | Adjective | Moving fast |
| Quickly | Adverb | At a fast speed |
| Quicken | Verb | To make faster |
| Quickness | Noun | The quality of being fast |
15 Synonyms of “Quickly”
Fast
Meaning: At a high speed; in a short time.
Best Used For: General situations, daily conversation, physical speed.
Formality: Neutral
Tone: Direct, Simple
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very Common)
CEFR Level: A2
Example Sentence 1: “She walked fast to catch the train.”
Example Sentence 2: “He speaks fast when he’s nervous.”
Usage Tip: “Fast” is the most common synonym and works in almost any context. It’s simple and natural.
Common Confusion: Fast vs Quickly. Both mean the same, but “fast” is more common in everyday speech.
Rapidly
Meaning: At a very fast speed; happening quickly.
Best Used For: Formal writing, scientific contexts, describing change.
Formality: Formal
Tone: Professional, Precise
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Common)
CEFR Level: B2
Example Sentence 1: “Technology is evolving rapidly.”
Example Sentence 2: “The population is growing rapidly.”
Usage Tip: “Rapidly” is a formal word for fast speed. Use it in academic and professional writing.
Swiftly
Meaning: Moving or happening very quickly and smoothly.
Best Used For: Literary writing, formal contexts, describing graceful speed.
Formality: Formal
Tone: Smooth, Elegant
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)
CEFR Level: B2
Example Sentence 1: “She swiftly completed the task without any mistakes.”
Example Sentence 2: “The government acted swiftly to address the crisis.”
Usage Tip: “Swiftly” suggests speed with smoothness and elegance. It’s a beautiful, formal word.
Promptly
Meaning: Without delay; exactly on time.
Best Used For: Business, formal settings, responding to requests.
Formality: Formal
Tone: Punctual, Reliable
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Common)
CEFR Level: B2
Example Sentence 1: “Please reply to this email promptly.”
Example Sentence 2: “The ambulance arrived promptly.”
Usage Tip: “Promptly” emphasizes being on time or without delay. It’s perfect for professional contexts.
Speedily
Meaning: At a fast speed; quickly.
Best Used For: Formal contexts, official language.
Formality: Formal
Tone: Efficient, Official
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)
CEFR Level: B2
Example Sentence 1: “The documents were processed speedily.”
Example Sentence 2: “We will respond to your request speedily.”
Usage Tip: “Speedily” is a formal alternative. Use it in official or business communications.
Briskly
Meaning: In a quick, energetic, and active way.
Best Used For: Walking, movement, business-like actions.
Formality: Neutral
Tone: Energetic, Active
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)
CEFR Level: B2
Example Sentence 1: “She walked briskly to the store.”
Example Sentence 2: “He spoke briskly to get through the meeting.”
Usage Tip: “Briskly” suggests energetic, purposeful speed, especially for movement.
Hastily
Meaning: In a hurry, often without enough care.
Best Used For: Actions done too quickly, often with negative results.
Formality: Neutral
Tone: Rushed, Careless
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)
CEFR Level: B2
Example Sentence 1: “He hastily packed his bags and left.”
Example Sentence 2: “She hastily agreed without reading the contract.”
Usage Tip: “Hastily” often implies that speed caused mistakes or carelessness.
Immediately
Meaning: Without any delay; right away.
Best Used For: Emergencies, urgent situations, commands.
Formality: Neutral
Tone: Urgent, Direct
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very Common)
CEFR Level: B1
Example Sentence 1: “You must leave immediately.”
Example Sentence 2: “She answered the phone immediately.”
Usage Tip: “Immediately” means right now, without any wait. It’s stronger than “quickly.”
Instantly
Meaning: In an instant; at once.
Best Used For: Technology, reactions, sudden events.
Formality: Neutral
Tone: Immediate, Sudden
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Common)
CEFR Level: B2
Example Sentence 1: “The message was sent instantly.”
Example Sentence 2: “She recognized him instantly.”
Usage Tip: “Instantly” suggests zero delay. It’s often used for technology and quick reactions.
Shortly
Meaning: In a short time; soon.
Best Used For: Future events, time references.
Formality: Neutral
Tone: Soon, Brief
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Common)
CEFR Level: B1
Example Sentence 1: “The meeting will begin shortly.”
Example Sentence 2: “I’ll be with you shortly.”
Usage Tip: “Shortly” means soon, not immediately. It refers to a short time in the future.
Expressly
Meaning: Clearly and quickly; for a specific purpose.
Best Used For: Travel, delivery, special purposes.
Formality: Formal
Tone: Specific, Purposeful
Frequency: ⭐⭐ (Rare)
CEFR Level: C1
Example Sentence 1: “The package was sent expressly for the event.”
Example Sentence 2: “He was expressly invited to the meeting.”
Usage Tip: “Expressly” means done for a specific purpose, often quickly. It’s quite formal.
Quick
Meaning: Moving or happening at high speed.
Best Used For: Casual conversation, informal contexts.
Formality: Informal
Tone: Casual, Direct
Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very Common)
CEFR Level: A2
Example Sentence 1: “Come quick I need your help!”
Example Sentence 2: “He made a quick decision.”
Usage Tip: “Quick” is an adjective, but it’s often used informally as an adverb instead of “quickly.”
Posthaste
Meaning: With great speed; immediately.
Best Used For: Literary, dramatic contexts.
Formality: Formal
Tone: Dramatic, Urgent
Frequency: ⭐ (Very Rare)
CEFR Level: C1
Example Sentence 1: “He was ordered to leave posthaste.”
Example Sentence 2: “She returned posthaste with the supplies.”
Usage Tip: “Posthaste” is old-fashioned and dramatic. Use it in historical or literary writing.
Double-time
Meaning: At twice the normal speed.
Best Used For: Military, music, fast-paced actions.
Formality: Informal
Tone: Energetic, Fast
Frequency: ⭐⭐ (Rare)
CEFR Level: B2
Example Sentence 1: “The soldiers marched at double-time.”
Example Sentence 2: “She typed double-time to finish the report.”
Usage Tip: “Double-time” suggests working or moving twice as fast as normal.
Like lightning
Meaning: Extremely fast.
Best Used For: Metaphorical descriptions, dramatic writing.
Formality: Informal
Tone: Dramatic, Fast
Frequency: ⭐⭐ (Rare)
CEFR Level: B2
Example Sentence 1: “He ran like lightning to catch the ball.”
Example Sentence 2: “She answered the question like lightning.”
Usage Tip: “Like lightning” is a metaphor meaning extremely fast. Use it in descriptive writing.
Synonyms Comparison Table
| Synonym | Best Context | Formality | Tone | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast | General use | Neutral | Direct | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Immediately | Emergencies | Neutral | Urgent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rapidly | Formal writing | Formal | Precise | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Promptly | Business | Formal | Punctual | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Swiftly | Literary | Formal | Elegant | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Hastily | Rushed actions | Neutral | Careless | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Briskly | Movement | Neutral | Energetic | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Speedily | Official contexts | Formal | Efficient | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Instantly | Technology | Neutral | Immediate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Shortly | Future time | Neutral | Soon | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best Synonyms by Situation
| Situation | Best Synonym | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Conversation | Fast | Natural and simple |
| Business Email | Promptly | Professional and clear |
| Academic Writing | Rapidly | Formal and precise |
| School Assignment | Quickly | Clear and appropriate |
| Professional Meeting | Promptly | Sounds reliable |
| Presentation | Rapidly | Professional and impactful |
| Creative Writing | Swiftly | Adds literary quality |
| Social Media | Fast | Casual and engaging |
| Emergency | Immediately | Urgent and direct |
Formal vs Informal Synonyms
Formal Alternatives
| Synonym | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| Rapidly | Academic, scientific writing |
| Promptly | Business, official correspondence |
| Swiftly | Literary, formal contexts |
| Speedily | Official, professional communication |
| Expressly | Specific, formal purposes |
Neutral Alternatives
| Synonym | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| Fast | Most general situations |
| Quickly | All contexts |
| Immediately | Urgent situations |
| Instantly | Zero-delay actions |
| Shortly | Near-future events |
Informal Alternatives
| Synonym | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| Quick | Casual conversation |
| Like lightning | Dramatic descriptions |
| Double-time | Energetic actions |
Choosing the Right Level: In academic writing, use “rapidly.” In business, use “promptly.” In everyday conversation, “fast” is the most natural choice.
Strong vs Mild Synonyms
Mild
Suitable for everyday situations with less intensity.
- Fast
- Quickly
- Shortly
Moderate
More specific or professional alternatives.
- Rapidly
- Swiftly
- Promptly
- Briskly
- Speedily
Strong
High-intensity alternatives suggesting extreme speed.
- Immediately (without any delay)
- Instantly (in an instant)
- Like lightning (extremely fast)
- Posthaste (with great speed)
How Intensity Changes Meaning: “Come quickly” is a request. “Come immediately” is urgent. “Come like lightning” is dramatic. Choose stronger words when you want to emphasize urgency or extreme speed.
Real-Life Examples
School: “The student quickly completed her test.”
Office: “The manager rapidly approved the budget.”
Business Email: “Please promptly reply to this request.”
Meetings: “The team swiftly implemented the changes.”
Presentations: “Technology is advancing rapidly every year.”
Daily Conversations: “She walked fast to get there on time.”
Social Media: “This video is spreading fast!”
Academic Writing: “The population grew rapidly during the decade.”
Common Collocations
| Common Phrase | Better Alternative |
|---|---|
| Respond quickly | Respond promptly |
| Move quickly | Move rapidly |
| Grow quickly | Grow rapidly |
| Learn quickly | Learn fast |
| React quickly | React swiftly |
Common Phrases
In a flash: Very quickly. (e.g., “He finished the job in a flash.”)
At the speed of light: Extremely fast. (e.g., “The message spread at the speed of light.”)
In no time: Very soon. (e.g., “She’ll be here in no time.”)
In a jiffy: Very soon. (e.g., “I’ll be back in a jiffy.”)
Like a shot: Very quickly. (e.g., “He ran like a shot when he heard the news.”)
Context Guide
| Situation | Best Synonym | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Rapidly | Academic and precise |
| Speech | Swiftly | Elegant and clear |
| Business Email | Promptly | Professional and reliable |
| Novel | Swiftly | Adds literary quality |
| Presentation | Rapidly | Clear and professional |
| Conversation | Fast | Natural and casual |
| Academic Writing | Rapidly | Precise and formal |
| Urgent Messages | Immediately | Clear and direct |
Related Words
Near Synonyms
- Hastily: In a hurry, often carelessly.
- Hurriedly: In a rush.
- Energetically: With energy and speed.
- Vigorously: With strength and speed.
- Briskly: In a quick, active way.
Antonyms
- Slowly: At a low speed.
- Gradually: Over time, not quickly.
- Leisurely: In a relaxed way.
- Lazily: Without speed or effort.
- Deliberately: Slowly and carefully.
Related Adjectives
- Quick: Moving fast.
- Rapid: Very fast.
- Swift: Fast and smooth.
- Prompt: Done without delay.
- Speedy: Fast and efficient.
Related Nouns
- Speed: The rate of motion.
- Velocity: Speed in a direction.
- Pace: The speed at which something happens.
- Quickness: The quality of being fast.
- Rapidity: Fast speed.
Related Verbs
- Hurry: To move quickly.
- Dash: To run quickly.
- Sprint: To run at full speed.
- Accelerate: To speed up.
- Rush: To move quickly in a hurry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another word for quickly?
Common synonyms include fast, rapidly, swiftly, promptly, speedily, and briskly. “Fast” is the most common and natural alternative.
Which synonym sounds the most professional?
Promptly and rapidly sound the most professional. “Promptly” emphasizes punctuality, while “rapidly” emphasizes speed.
What is the strongest synonym for quickly?
Immediately and instantly are the strongest synonyms. “Instantly” suggests zero delay, and “immediately” suggests urgent action.
Which synonym is best for essays?
Rapidly is the best choice for academic essays. It’s formal and precise.
What’s the difference between fast and quickly?
They mean the same thing! “Fast” is more common in everyday speech. “Quickly” is slightly more formal but both are widely used.
Which synonym is most common in everyday English?
Fast” is the most common synonym in everyday speech. “Quickly” itself is also very common.
What is the opposite of quickly?
Common opposites are slowly, gradually, and leisurely. These words describe actions that take time.
Conclusion
“Quickly” is a useful word, but now you have 35 fantastic alternatives. Each synonym adds a different shade of meaning to your language.
Remember, the key is understanding the context. Use “fast” for everyday situations. Use “rapidly” for formal and academic writing. Use “promptly” for business and punctuality. Use “swiftly” for elegant, smooth speed.
The best way to improve is practice. Try using one or two new synonyms each day. Listen for these words in conversations and books. Your vocabulary will become richer and more expressive with time.
