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Synonyms

swiftly

American  
[swift-lee] / ˈswɪft li /

adverb

  1. with great speed or velocity.

    Catching a reflection in my mask lens, I swiftly turned around to see an 18-foot great white shark just yards away, looking straight at me!

  2. without delay; promptly; quickly.

    Behavior issues will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.

Etymology

Origin of swiftly

swift ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

However, the post fell short of a formal apology, which could mean the controversy won’t end swiftly.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

It culminates above the ancient tombs and temples of Luxor, Egypt, where trips are selling swiftly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The force said a woman in her 20s was approached from behind by a 26-year-old man who was "swiftly" arrested after being held by staff at the venue.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

But the delay also doesn’t give investors what they really want—an end to the war, or at least a sign it may come swiftly.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

How swiftly his souls begin to drift free!

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.