Synonyms for Quickly

Updated 2026-10-03 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: Finding the right synonyms for quickly helps you avoid repetition and add precision to your writing. Whether you need a formal term for a report or a casual word for dialogue, this guide provides the best options to describe rapid action or short duration effectively.

Closest Synonyms for Quickly

rapidly: Suggests high speed with energy. The car accelerated rapidly down the straight highway.
swiftly: Implies grace and speed combined. The dancer moved swiftly across the stage floor.
fast: The most common general term for speed. He runs fast during his morning exercise routine.
speedily: Focuses on efficiency and lack of delay. The package was delivered speedily to the front door.
promptly: Emphasizes punctuality and immediate response. She answered the phone promptly after it rang once.
hastily: Implies speed caused by rush or carelessness. He left the house hastily after missing the bus.
briskly: Suggests energetic and quick movement. The crowd walked briskly to avoid the sudden rain.
instantly: Means without any perceptible delay. The screen lit up instantly when he pressed the button.
expeditiously: Formal term for efficient and quick handling. The team handled the complaint expeditiously and professionally.
quick: Adjective form often used as an adverb. He made a quick decision before the timer expired.
rapid: Similar to rapidly but often used as an adjective. The rapid growth of the plant surprised the gardener.
swift: Connotes agility and speed. The swift response from the server impressed the developers.

Formal Synonyms for Quickly

immediately: Denotes zero delay in formal instructions. Evacuate the building immediately upon hearing the alarm sound.
forthwith: Very formal legal or administrative term. The judge ordered the documents produced forthwith in court.
without delay: Clear and formal phrasing. Action must be taken without delay to prevent further damage.
at once: Direct and formal command. The manager requested the report submitted at once this afternoon.
instantaneously: Scientific or technical precision. The reaction occurred instantaneously when the chemicals mixed together.
prompt: Adjective describing timely action. A prompt payment is required to maintain your account status.
expeditious: Describes efficient processes. The expeditious handling of the case satisfied the clients involved.
expedient: Focuses on speed for convenience. It was expedient to use the express mail service for documents.

Informal Synonyms for Quickly

in a flash: Idiomatic expression for sudden speed. He finished the puzzle in a flash of insight.
like lightning: Vivid comparison for extreme speed. The news spread through the office like lightning today.
in a jiffy: Playful term for very short time. I can fix that computer problem in a jiffy for you.
on the double: Urgent command often used in service. The waiter brought the water on the double as requested.
right away: Common conversational phrase. I will start working on the project right away today.
straightaway: British informal for immediate action. We went straightaway to the park after school ended.
snappy: Describes quick and smart responses. He gave a snappy reply to the journalist's question.
hasty: Implies rushed informal action. She made a hasty exit when she saw her ex-boyfriend.

Stronger and Weaker Words

soon: Weaker. Use for near future rather than immediate action.
presently: Weaker. Use for something happening in a short while.
gradually: Weaker. Use for slow steady change over time instead.
eventually: Weaker. Use for outcomes after a long or unspecified period.
hurriedly: Stronger. Choose this to convey a sense of rushing or urgency, often implying a lack of careful attention.
briefly: Weaker. Use this to indicate that an action or event lasted for a short duration rather than focusing on speed.

Antonyms for Quickly

slowly
sluggishly
leisurely
tediously
ploddingly
lazily
delayed
unhurriedly
slow

How to Pick the Right Synonym

Choosing the correct synonym depends on the context and the nuance you wish to convey. For formal writing, terms like expeditiously or promptly add professionalism, while casual conversations benefit from fast or in a flash. Consider whether you want to emphasize speed, grace, or urgency. Swiftly suggests elegance, whereas hastily implies carelessness. Always match the word to the tone of your sentence to ensure clarity and impact for your reader.

Best Synonym by Situation

in a business proposal: Use prompt to convey reliability. The vendor offered prompt service that impressed our stakeholders.
in a technical manual: Use immediately for clear instructions. Shut off the power immediately if you notice sparks.
in creative fiction: Use swiftly to maintain narrative flow. The arrow flew swiftly through the dark forest.
in a job application: Use efficiently to highlight productivity. I managed the project efficiently under tight deadlines.
in a casual text message: Use ASAP for urgent requests. Please send the photos ASAP so we can post them.
in a legal document: Use forthwith to sound formal and binding. The defendant must appear forthwith in court.
in a cooking recipe: Use rapidly to describe heat changes. Stir the sauce rapidly to prevent sticking.
in a sports commentary: Use quickly to describe action. The quarterback threw the ball quickly to avoid the sack.
in a customer service email: Use promptly to reassure the client. We will address your concern promptly upon receipt.
in a historical account: Use hastefully to describe chaotic events. The soldiers retreated hastefully as the bridge collapsed.

Example Sentences

The cheetach accelerated rapidly to catch its prey.
Please resolve this issue expeditiously before the deadline passes.
She finished her homework straightaway after dinner.
The news spread like wildfire throughout the small town.
He answered the phone promptly despite the noise.
The magician made the coin vanish in the twinkling of an eye.
We need to move at breakneck speed to finish the construction.
The software updates instantly without requiring a restart.
She departed forthwith upon receiving the bad news.
The team responded with alacrity to the emergency call.

Related Phrases and Idioms

in the nick of time: Just before a deadline or dangerous moment occurs.
double quick: With extreme haste or urgency.
with bells on: To arrive or act with great enthusiasm and speed.
in a heartbeat: Very quickly or without hesitation.
flying colors: To succeed quickly and impressively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best synonym for quickly in a business email?

Use promptly or expeditiously. These words convey professionalism and urgency without sounding casual or overly aggressive to your colleagues or clients.

Is fast a synonym for quickly?

Yes, fast is a very common synonym. It is versatile and works well in everyday speech, though it can be used as both an adjective and an adverb.

What is the opposite of quickly?

The most direct opposite is slowly. Other antonyms include sluggishly, gradually, and leisurely, depending on whether you mean lack of speed or relaxed pace.

Can I use rapidly and quickly interchangeably?

Generally yes, but rapidly often implies higher velocity or acceleration. Quickly is more general and applies to any short duration action or response time.