Exceptionally quick in movement, response, or completion.
Reach for it when adding vivid emphasis when the speed is both unusual and relevant to the result
A lightning-fast alert gave every crew enough time to reach shelter.
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everyday
Fits when plain language suits above-average speed
Careful Quick is modest and does not convey an exceptional result.
warm
Fits when speed is paired with smooth decisive action
Careful Swift is strong but lacks lightning-fast's emphatic extremity.
professional
high-speed
Fits when equipment operates in a defined fast mode
Careful High-speed sounds technical and may still be slow relative to the event described.
professional
rapid
Fits when high speed can be stated neutrally and measured
Careful Rapid is less vivid and may describe a sustained rate rather than a near-instant response.
formal
instantaneous
Fits when the event effectively takes no measurable time
Careful Instantaneous is a literal technical claim and should not stand in for merely impressive speed.
formal
Fits when action begins without avoidable delay
Careful Promptness concerns timeliness, not the speed of execution after starting.
literary
breakneck
Fits when dangerously extreme pace is part of the description
Careful Breakneck warns of recklessness, whereas lightning-fast can praise safe response.
lightning-fast response
The lightning-fast response contained the kitchen fire to one room.
lightning-fast reflexes
Lightning-fast reflexes helped the goalkeeper redirect the shot.
lightning-fast speed
The camera's lightning-fast speed captured each wingbeat clearly.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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