Another Word for Quickly: 30 Synonyms With Examples

“Quickly” means doing something at a fast speed or in a short amount of time. Common alternatives include rapidly, swiftly, fast, speedily, promptly, and hurriedly. However, the best choice depends on whether you mean moving fast, finishing a task in less time, responding without delay, or doing something in a hurry.

definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

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For everyday writing, fast and rapidly are useful when describing speed, while promptly and immediately focus on timing. More formal choices, such as expeditiously, suit professional writing, whereas expressions like in a flash work well in casual conversation.

Quick list: Fast, rapidly, swiftly, speedily, promptly, immediately, instantly, briskly, hurriedly, expeditiously.

This guide explores 30 alternatives with meanings, pronunciation (IPA), usage notes, natural examples, common word partners, and helpful distinctions for English learners and writers.

At a Glance: Quickly Synonyms and Related Alternatives

Alternative	Part of Speech	Meaning	Register / Tone	Ideal Context
Fast	Adverb	At high speed	Everyday	Movement and actions
Rapidly	Adverb	At a high rate	Neutral/formal	Change and growth
Swiftly	Adverb	With great speed	Neutral/formal	Movement and action
Speedily	Adverb	At a fast rate	Neutral	Completing tasks
Promptly	Adverb	Without delay	Professional	Replies and appointments
Immediately	Adverb	At once	Neutral/formal	Urgent actions
Instantly	Adverb	With virtually no delay	Neutral	Immediate reactions
Briskly	Adverb	With energy and speed	Neutral	Walking and activity
Hurriedly	Adverb	In a rushed manner	Neutral	Actions under time pressure
Expeditiously	Adverb	Efficiently and without unnecessary delay	Formal	Business and official tasks

These alternatives overlap, but they are not always interchangeable. For example, a person can respond promptly without typing rapidly, and someone can walk briskly without being in a hurry.

Which Word Should You Use?

If you want to…	Use	Why
Describe someone moving at high speed	Fast	Natural and common in everyday English
Describe a major or steady change	Rapidly	Emphasizes the rate of change
Describe graceful, swift movement	Swiftly	Often suggests smooth, decisive action
Say that a person acted on time	Promptly	Emphasizes a timely response
Show that something happened without any wait	Immediately	Makes the lack of delay clear
Describe an almost instant reaction	Instantly	Emphasizes negligible delay
Describe energetic walking	Briskly	Suggests a lively, purposeful pace
Describe an action done in a rush	Hurriedly	Highlights haste, sometimes with carelessness

Exploring the Multiple Meanings of “Quickly”

“Quickly” has two closely related core meanings: acting or moving at high speed, and doing or experiencing something after only a short time. In context, it can also suggest promptness, a rapid change, or haste.

definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

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1. Moving at High Speed

• Meaning: Moving from one place to another at a fast rate.
• Explanation: This sense focuses on physical movement. Fast, swiftly, and rapidly are common alternatives, although briskly often suggests a purposeful walking pace.
• Example: The cyclist quickly passed the group on the hill.

2. Completing an Action in Little Time

• Meaning: Doing something in a short period.
• Explanation: This sense focuses on how long an action takes, rather than how fast something travels. Speedily and rapidly may fit, depending on the sentence.
• Example: Maya quickly finished her homework before dinner.

3. Responding Without Delay

• Meaning: Acting or replying soon after a request or event.
• Explanation: Promptly is especially useful for timely replies and professional actions. Immediately is stronger when no delay is intended.
• Example: The manager quickly answered the customer’s question.

4. Happening After a Very Short Time

• Meaning: Occurring soon or almost at once.
• Explanation: Instantly emphasizes an almost immediate result, while shortly usually refers to something happening soon, not necessarily at high speed.
• Example: She quickly realized that she had taken the wrong bus.

5. Acting in a Hurry

• Meaning: Doing something rapidly because time is limited.
• Explanation: Hurriedly and hastily highlight the rushed manner of an action. They may suggest pressure or insufficient care, unlike neutral quickly.
• Example: He quickly packed his bag when the taxi arrived.

Sources:

definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

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Analyzing 30 Quickly Alternatives in Detail

The following alternatives range from direct synonyms to expressions suited to specific situations. The usage notes explain when each word works best and when it differs from quickly.

Group 1: Everyday Synonyms for Speed

1. Fast

IPA: US /fæst/ · UK /fɑːst/

Definition: At high speed; quickly.

• Usage: One of the most common alternatives in everyday English. It is especially natural with verbs such as run, drive, move, and work.
• Example: The children ran fast to catch the school bus.

2. Rapidly

IPA: US and UK /ˈræpɪdli/

Definition: At a high rate of speed or change.

• Usage: A versatile alternative for actions, growth, development, and change. It is common in academic and professional writing.
• Example: Technology is rapidly changing the way people communicate.

3. Swiftly

IPA: US and UK /ˈswɪftli/

Definition: With great speed; quickly.

• Usage: Often suggests fast, smooth, or decisive movement. It can also describe an effective response to a problem.
• Example: The rescue team swiftly moved the injured hiker to safety.

4. Speedily

IPA: US and UK /ˈspiːdəli/

Definition: At a fast rate or without taking much time.

• Usage: A direct synonym that can sound slightly more formal than fast. It works well for tasks, deliveries, and processes.
• Example: The staff processed the application speedily.

5. Briskly

IPA: US and UK /ˈbrɪskli/

Definition: In a quick, energetic way.

• Usage: Best for energetic actions, such as walking, moving, or working. It suggests liveliness rather than mere speed.
• Example: She walked briskly through the park before sunset.

6. At a fast pace

IPA: US and UK: phrase; pronunciation varies by speaker.

Definition: At a high rate of movement or activity.

• Usage: A natural phrase rather than a single-word synonym. Use it for work, learning, walking, and ongoing activities.
• Example: The team worked at a fast pace to finish the project.

Group 2: Formal and Professional Alternatives

7. Expeditiously

IPA: US /ˌɛkspəˈdɪʃəsli/ · UK /ˌekspəˈdɪʃəsli/

Definition: In a prompt and efficient manner.

• Usage: A formal alternative that emphasizes completing something without unnecessary delay. It is common in official instructions and professional communication.
• Example: The office handled the complaint expeditiously.

8. Promptly

IPA: US /ˈprɑːmptli/ · UK /ˈprɒmptli/

Definition: Without delay or at the expected time.

• Usage: Particularly suitable for replies, payments, appointments, and professional duties. It focuses on timeliness, not necessarily physical speed.
• Example: Please respond promptly to the confirmation email.
  
  Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries
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9. Immediately

IPA: US and UK /ɪˈmiːdiətli/

Definition: Without any delay; at once.

• Usage: Stronger than general quickly when an action must begin at once.
• Example: The teacher immediately called for assistance.

10. Straightaway

IPA: US /ˌstreɪtəˈweɪ/ · UK /ˌstreɪtəˈweɪ/

Definition: Immediately or without delay.

• Usage: A natural alternative in everyday British English and familiar informal speech elsewhere. It emphasizes when an action starts.
• Example: I recognized the mistake and corrected it straightaway.

11. Forthwith

IPA: US and UK /ˌfɔːrθˈwɪθ/

Definition: Immediately; without delay.

• Usage: A formal, often legal or official term. It can sound stiff in ordinary conversation.
• Example: The notice instructed the tenant to remove the obstruction forthwith.

12. With dispatch

IPA: US and UK: phrase; pronunciation varies by speaker.

Definition: Quickly and efficiently.

• Usage: A formal expression that emphasizes both speed and efficient handling. It is not always interchangeable with quickly when speed alone is meant.
• Example: The clerk dealt with the request with dispatch.

Group 3: Immediate Reactions and Short Delays

13. Instantly

IPA: US and UK /ˈɪnstəntli/

Definition: Immediately or in an extremely short time.

• Usage: Best when an action or result occurs with virtually no delay. It is stronger than ordinary quickly.
• Example: She instantly recognized her old friend.

14. Instantaneously

IPA: US and UK /ˌɪnstənˈteɪniəsli/

Definition: In an instant; with no measurable delay in ordinary usage.

• Usage: A technical or formal alternative often used to describe physical effects, signals, or processes. Real-world events may still take measurable time.
• Example: The image appeared instantaneously on the screen.

15. At once

IPA: US and UK: phrase; pronunciation varies by speaker.

Definition: Immediately; without delay.

• Usage: A common expression for urgent actions or instructions. In some sentences, at once can also mean doing two things simultaneously.
• Example: Please come here at once.

16. Right away

IPA: US and UK: phrase; pronunciation varies by speaker.

Definition: Immediately or very soon.

• Usage: An informal, conversational alternative, especially in spoken English and friendly messages.
• Example: I’ll send you the photographs right away.

17. In a flash

IPA: US and UK: phrase; pronunciation varies by speaker.

Definition: Extremely quickly or in a very short time.

• Usage: An informal, vivid expression that often makes an action sound almost instantaneous.
• Example: The cat disappeared around the corner in a flash.

Group 4: Haste, Urgency, and Pressure

18. Hurriedly

IPA: US and UK /ˈhɜːridli/

Definition: In a hurried or rushed manner.

• Usage: Emphasizes that someone is rushing, often because of limited time. It can suggest that the action was not done carefully.
• Example: He hurriedly packed his clothes before leaving.

19. Hastily

IPA: US and UK /ˈheɪstɪli/

Definition: With haste; too quickly or without enough care.

• Usage: Often carries a negative tone, especially when a decision or task is rushed. It is not a neutral substitute in every sentence.
• Example: She hastily signed the document without reading it.

20. Posthaste

IPA: US and UK /ˌpoʊstˈheɪst/ (pronunciation can vary)

Definition: With great speed or urgency.

• Usage: A somewhat old-fashioned or formal word, often used when someone must act urgently.
• Example: The messenger was ordered to return posthaste.

21. Precipitately

IPA: US and UK /prɪˈsɪpɪtətli/

Definition: In a hasty or rash manner.

• Usage: A formal alternative that often implies acting too quickly without sufficient thought. It is not a neutral synonym for ordinary speed.
• Example: The company precipitately abandoned its original plan.

22. In haste

IPA: US and UK: phrase; pronunciation varies by speaker.

Definition: In a hurry or with little time to spare.

• Usage: A useful phrase in formal writing and letters. It describes the circumstances of an action more than its actual speed.
• Example: She left the office in haste to catch her train.

Group 5: Energetic Movement and High Speed

23. Apace

IPA: US and UK /əˈpeɪs/

Definition: At a steady or rapid pace.

• Usage: A somewhat literary or formal alternative, especially useful for describing progress or development.
• Example: The project moved apace once the new team joined.

24. Fleetly

IPA: US and UK /ˈfliːtli/

Definition: Swiftly or with great speed.

• Usage: A literary and relatively uncommon word. It can describe graceful movement, but swiftly is more natural in most everyday writing.
• Example: The deer moved fleetly through the trees.

25. Flat out

IPA: US and UK: phrase; pronunciation varies by speaker.

Definition: At maximum speed or with maximum effort.

• Usage: An informal expression used for intense effort or full speed. It can also describe working at full capacity.
• Example: The engineers worked flat out to restore the system.

26. Full tilt

IPA: US and UK: phrase; pronunciation varies by speaker.

Definition: At full speed or with great force.

• Usage: An informal expression that emphasizes maximum speed or intensity, rather than simply a short completion time.
• Example: The dog ran full tilt toward the open gate.

Group 6: Context-Specific Alternatives

27. Directly

IPA: US /dəˈrektli/ or /daɪˈrektli/ · UK /dəˈrektli/ or /daɪˈrektli/

Definition: Without going through an intermediary; in some contexts, immediately or soon.

• Usage: Only a contextual alternative. It can mean without delay in some varieties and contexts, but often refers to a straight route or a direct connection.
• Example: Please contact the supervisor directly if the problem continues.

28. Readily

IPA: US and UK /ˈredɪli/

Definition: Easily, willingly, or without difficulty.

• Usage: A related alternative only when quickly means doing something with little difficulty or hesitation. It does not inherently mean fast.
• Example: The information is readily available online.

29. Presto

IPA: US /ˈprestoʊ/ · UK /ˈprestəʊ/

Definition: Quickly or suddenly, often as if by magic.

• Usage: An informal, playful expression, frequently used when presenting a quick transformation or result. It is not suitable for every formal sentence.
• Example: Add the final ingredient, stir, and presto, dinner is ready.

30. In no time

IPA: US and UK: phrase; pronunciation varies by speaker.

Definition: Very soon or in a very short time.

• Usage: A common informal expression for an action that takes little time. It can also suggest confidence that something will happen soon.
• Example: With a little practice, you’ll be solving these problems in no time.

Sources:

definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

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Quickly vs. Fast vs. Rapidly vs. Swiftly

These four words are close in meaning, but each has a slightly different use.

Word	Main Focus	Example
Quickly	A short time or fast action	She quickly finished her report.
Fast	High speed	The car moved fast.
Rapidly	A high rate of change or activity	The population grew rapidly.
Swiftly	Fast, often smooth or decisive action	The officer swiftly closed the gate.

When should you choose each word?

• Use quickly when you want to emphasize that an action takes little time.
• Use fast for speed, especially in everyday conversation.
• Use rapidly for measurable changes, growth, or processes.
• Use swiftly when describing a fast movement or decisive response.
• Use promptly when timeliness matters more than speed.
• Use hastily when the action is rushed and may lack care.

For example, “She quickly wrote the report” emphasizes the short time needed. “She hastily wrote the report” suggests she was rushing and may not have checked her work.

Sources:

definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

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Quickly and Opposite/Paired Word Pairs

Word	Paired Word	Note
Quickly	Slowly	Direct contrast in speed
Rapidly	Gradually	Contrasts a high rate with slow, step-by-step change
Swiftly	Sluggishly	Contrasts swift movement with slow, heavy movement
Promptly	Late	Contrasts timely action with delayed action
Immediately	Eventually	Contrasts action without delay with action after some time
Hastily	Carefully	Contrasts rushed action with attention to detail
Briskly	Leisurely	Contrasts energetic movement with a relaxed pace
Expeditiously	Inefficiently	Contrasts efficient completion with wasted effort or time

These pairs are useful for building vocabulary and choosing precise descriptions. However, they are not all strict dictionary antonyms. For example, carefully is not the opposite of quickly in every situation; a person can work both quickly and carefully.

Sources:

Cambridge English

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Common Word Partners of “Quickly”

A collocation is a combination of words that commonly appear together. Learning these combinations can help you write more naturally.

Pattern	Common Partners	Example
Quickly + verb	Learn, understand, realize	She quickly realized her mistake.
Quickly + finish	Finish, complete, solve	He quickly finished the assignment.
Quickly + movement	Move, run, walk	The children quickly ran outside.
Quickly + change	Change, grow, develop	The town quickly developed into a busy city.
Quickly + response	Respond, reply, answer	Please reply quickly if you can.
Quickly + action	Act, react, adapt	The team quickly adapted to the change.
Quickly + disappearance	Disappear, vanish, fade	The fog quickly disappeared.
As quickly as possible	Possible, practical	Please finish the task as quickly as possible.

Sources:

definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

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Idiomatic Phrases Featuring “Quickly”

There are relatively few fixed idioms that contain the exact word quickly. The following are established expressions commonly used to convey speed or a short amount of time.

1. As quickly as possible

• Meaning: In the shortest time that is reasonably possible.
• Example: Please send the completed form as quickly as possible.

2. In no time

• Meaning: Very soon or after a very short period.
• Example: With her experience, she finished the task in no time.

3. In a flash

• Meaning: Extremely quickly, almost instantly.
• Example: The rabbit disappeared in a flash.

4. At breakneck speed

• Meaning: Extremely fast, often at a dangerous or unsustainable pace.
• Example: The driver raced down the road at breakneck speed.

These expressions are not identical. As quickly as possible gives an instruction, in no time emphasizes a short duration, in a flash adds vivid imagery, and at breakneck speed emphasizes extreme speed and possible danger.

Cambridge English

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Word Formation of “Quickly”

Etymology & Structure

The word quickly consists of the adjective quick and the suffix -ly.

• Quick: Describes something fast, lively, or requiring little time.
• -ly: A common English suffix used to form adverbs from adjectives.
• Quickly: Describes doing something in a quick manner.

The modern word developed from Middle English quikli. The older adjective quick came from Old English cwic, meaning “alive” or “living.” Over time, the adjective gained meanings connected with liveliness, speed, and readiness.

Etymology, Origin & Meaning

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Date and History

According to the historical record summarized by the Online Etymology Dictionary, the sense of quickly meaning “rapidly” dates to around 1200. The form quickli, with the sense “lively” or “vivid,” is recorded from the mid-15th century. These dates refer to documented historical usage, not necessarily the first time anyone used the word.

Etymology, Origin & Meaning

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Word Class Variations

Word Form	Part of Speech	Example
Quick	Adjective	She gave a quick answer.
Quickly	Adverb	She answered quickly.
Quicken	Verb	The sound seemed to quicken his pace.
Quickness	Noun	His quickness helped him win the race.
Quicker	Comparative adjective	This is a quicker method.
Quickest	Superlative adjective	That was the quickest route.

Sources:

Etymology, Origin & Meaning

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Common Word Choice Mistakes

• Incorrect: She speaks quick in class. Correction: She speaks quickly in class. (Quick as an adverb is informal or nonstandard in many contexts.)
• Incorrect: He drove fastly. Correction: He drove fast. (Fast already functions as an adverb.)
• Incorrect: Please reply rapidly to my email. Correction: Please reply promptly to my email. (Rapidly focuses more on speed than timely response.)
• Incorrect: The population immediately increased over ten years. Correction: The population increased rapidly over ten years. (Immediately means without delay.)
• Incorrect: She hastily completed the task with great care. Correction: She quickly completed the task with great care. (Hastily can imply insufficient care.)
• Incorrect: The employee walked expeditiously down the street. Correction: The employee walked briskly down the street. (Expeditiously is more natural for efficient task completion.)
• Incorrect: The system responded prompt. Correction: The system responded promptly. (Promptly is the adverb.)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the closest synonym for quickly?

Fast and rapidly are two of the closest alternatives. Use fast in everyday conversation and rapidly when describing a high rate of activity or change.

2. What is a more formal word for quickly?

Expeditiously is a formal alternative, especially for completing work efficiently and without unnecessary delay. Promptly is another strong choice for professional communication.

3. What is another word for quickly in academic writing?

Rapidly is useful for describing growth, change, and processes. Swiftly and expeditiously may also work, depending on the sentence.

4. What is a more professional way to say quickly?

Use promptly for timely responses and expeditiously for efficient completion of tasks. Choose the word that best matches the intended meaning.

5. What is another word for quickly in a sentence?

Consider the context. For example, “She quickly answered” could become “She promptly answered” if the emphasis is on responding without delay.

6. What is the opposite of quickly?

Slowly is the most common opposite when describing speed. Depending on the context, gradually, leisurely, or eventually may express a more specific contrast.

7. Is quickly the same as immediately?

No. Quickly means at a fast speed or in a short time, while immediately means without delay. An action can be immediate to start but take a long time to finish.

8. What is the difference between quickly and hastily?

Quickly is generally neutral, while hastily often suggests rushing or acting without enough thought. The words are interchangeable only in some contexts.

9. What is a casual way to say quickly?

Try fast, right away, in a flash, or in no time. The best choice depends on whether you mean high speed, immediate action, or a short duration.

10. Can you quickly describe changes and growth?

Yes. For example, “The business grew quickly” is natural English. Rapidly is another good choice, especially in formal or analytical writing.

definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

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Conclusion

The most useful alternatives to quickly include fast, rapidly, swiftly, speedily, promptly, and immediately. Each offers a slightly different way to describe speed, timing, or the completion of an action.

Context matters when choosing a synonym. Rapidly suits change, promptly suits timely responses, and hastily suggests rushing. These differences help you express your meaning more accurately.For everyday writing, start with familiar words such as fast and rapidly. For formal writing, consider expeditiously or promptly. Choose the alternative that fits your sentence rather than replacing quickly automatically.