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Synonyms

quickly

American  
[kwik-lee] / ˈkwɪk li /

adverb

  1. with speed; rapidly; very soon.


Commonly Confused

See quick.

Etymology

Origin of quickly

First recorded before 1000; see origin at quick, -ly

Explanation

When you do something quickly, you do it really fast — like when you quickly eat breakfast so you won’t be late to school. The adverb quickly can describe any action that’s done at great speed. If you see a wolf running quickly, that means it’s moving rapidly and you’d better hide quickly. Quickly can also carry the sense of doing something without delay or hesitation. Sometimes quickly has a connotation of not putting much thought or effort into something, like when you quickly do your math homework.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing quickly

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.

But it will be quickly forgotten if she can get back on track as she now turns attention towards Wimbledon.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

At Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, a 300-acre, family-owned theme park in Santa Claus, Ind., the most-coveted openings for younger teens filled quickly after the application process began at the start of the year.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

"The whole point of this kind of approach is that it can move quickly, and that's exactly when it's most valuable," says Guntuku.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

I find it amazing for quickly capturing thoughts and outlining things for myself while I’m on the move.

From Slate • May 24, 2026

I did a little googling the other day, but I stalled out quickly because most things are already full, or else I’m either too old or too young.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

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