Swiftly

adv. energetic, capable formal

What it means

With useful speed and effectiveness.

Reach for it when describing useful action completed with speed and little delay

The crew swiftly contained the small fire.

Words to choose between 5

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
everyday
warm
professional
formal
  • everyday

    quickly

    Fits when simple reference to speed is enough

    Careful Quickly does not necessarily imply the decisiveness carried by swiftly.

  • warm

    briskly

    Fits when energetic pace feels efficient and positive

    Careful Briskly is too light for emergency or solemn action.

  • professional

    promptly

    Fits when meeting an expected response time matters

    Careful Promptly describes timeliness more than speed of movement.

  • professional

    rapidly

    Fits when a rate of change or movement is measurable

    Careful Rapidly can describe uncontrolled worsening, while swiftly often sounds purposeful.

  • formal

    without delay

    Fits when eliminating waiting is the precise instruction

    Careful The phrase does not say that the action itself was fast.

Opposites 3

Common phrases 3

  • move swiftly

    Rescue teams moved swiftly once the route was confirmed.

  • act swiftly

    The council must act swiftly to protect the damaged wall.

  • respond swiftly

    Technicians responded swiftly to the pressure alarm.

Word family 1

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated