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.

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Etymology

Origin of swiftly

swift ( def. ) + -ly

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

swiftly

"We do not just send smoke... The oxygen in Singapore and Malaysia also comes from our forests," said Syahganda Nainggolan in a video that swiftly went viral and prompted furious responses.

From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026

As swiftly as Barry Manilow returned to the stage following a health-related hiatus, he has stepped away.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 12, 2026

"Our members at the council will now vote on these proposals as swiftly as possible."

From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026

She is embarrassed to ask others for help but soon finds that it is given swiftly, “as if the helper already happened to be going that way, and no thanks were needed.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

It was the face of somebody who has suddenly felt, for the first time, the precise shape and weight of their own swiftly beating heart.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

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Related Words

• expeditiously
• hastily
• promptly
• quickly
• rapidly
• speedily

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