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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

swiftly

Officials and members of parliament swiftly condemned Tehran for violating the country’s sovereignty, while the foreign ministry summoned Iran’s charge d’affaires in Amman, the Jordanian capital, and demanded Iran cease attacks on the kingdom.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the government on Tuesday, saying it had acted swiftly after the exam paper leaks by arresting several people.

From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026

Keegan's return as Newcastle United manager in 2008 swiftly turned sour and he never returned to the game.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

Although he passed again on Tuesday, he said he once again completed it swiftly and hoped this wouldn’t result in his test being flagged a second time.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026

They both knew that they didn’t have a choice, so they tossed their remaining weapons at his feet, and he stowed them swiftly under his cape.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Related Words

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