swiftly

[swift-lee]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of swiftly¹

swift ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Once the bill passed in the lower chamber of Congress, it swiftly moved to the Senate where it passed via unanimous consent - a procedure that speeds up the legislative process if there is no objection.

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"The focus must now be on ensuring the funding and planning begin quickly, so that construction can begin as swiftly as possible," he said.

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The government said the changes would help courts address a backlog of cases more swiftly.

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It made Penelope drowsy, and when the driver shouted and pulled the troika swiftly and hard to the rutted edge of the road, it startled her into a yelp.

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Penelope swiftly catalogued its contents: blankets and sheets.

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Related Words

• expeditiously 
• hastily 
• promptly 
• quickly 
• rapidly 
• speedily www.thesaurus.com