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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.

Starboard first disclosed its stake in Algonquin Power in June 2023 and swiftly set about pushing for changes.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

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

Faculty and students are reacting swiftly — and not all agree.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

She dropped Mal’s palm and walked swiftly in the other direction.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

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.