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

See Examples For:

swiftly

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

In 2023, the Steel Queens switched from the university league to the Women's National Ice Hockey League, and swiftly made their way up through its regional divisions.

From BBC ● Oct. 2, 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

The Kremlin swiftly dismissed Estonia's accusation as "baseless" and with "absolutely no relation to reality".

From Barron's ● Sep. 29, 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

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

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

---