“Quickly” is a go-to word whenever something happens with speed, but it gets used for very different kinds of fastness sprinting across a room, replying to an email within seconds, or wrapping up a task in record time. Because “quickly” spans physical speed, immediacy in time, and efficient completion, choosing a more specific synonym can make your writing far more vivid and precise. This guide breaks down 65 alternatives to “quickly,” organized by meaning and intensity, so you can capture exactly the kind of speed you mean.
At a Glance
| Category | Top Synonym | Part of Speech | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Speed | Swiftly | Adverb | Describing fast physical movement |
| Time Immediacy | Immediately | Adverb | Describing something happening without delay |
| Efficiency | Promptly | Adverb | Describing timely, efficient completion |
| Extreme Speed | In a Flash | Adverb Phrase | Describing something almost instantaneous |
What Does “Quickly” Mean?
“Quickly” is an adverb with a few related senses:
1. Physical Speed: Moving or acting with fast physical motion, as in “she ran quickly across the field.”
2. Time Immediacy: Happening without delay after something else, as in “he replied quickly to the message.”
3. Efficiency/Promptness: Completing something in a short amount of time, often competently, as in “they finished the project quickly.”
Word Family
Quick, Quickly, Quickness, Quicken, Quickened.
Etymology
“Quickly” derives from the Old English cwic, meaning “alive” or “living,” which evolved to mean “lively” and eventually “fast” by the late Middle Ages. The “-ly” suffix was added to form the adverb, following the common pattern of adjective-to-adverb formation in English.
Connotation
“Quickly” is generally neutral to positive, often implying efficiency or eagerness. Stronger synonyms like “instantly” and “in a flash” emphasize near-immediate speed, while milder ones like “promptly” and “briskly” suggest a controlled, competent pace rather than urgency.
Synonyms for Quickly by Context
Physical Speed
Swiftly, rapidly, speedily, briskly, hastily, fleetly.
Time Immediacy
Immediately, instantly, at once, right away, straightaway.
Efficiency/Promptness
Promptly, efficiently, without delay, expeditiously, posthaste.
Main Synonym List
1. Swiftly
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: Moving or happening with great speed.
Best Used For: Physical movement or fast action.
Example: The bird flew swiftly across the sky.
Nuance: Slightly more graceful and literary than “quickly.”
Synonym Strength: Strong
2. Rapidly
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: Happening or moving at high speed.
Best Used For: Describing fast-changing situations or processes.
Example: The situation changed rapidly overnight.
Nuance: Neutral and versatile, often used for trends or change.
Synonym Strength: Strong
3. Speedily
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: With speed; quickly.
Best Used For: Formal or slightly old-fashioned writing.
Example: The issue was resolved speedily.
Nuance: Slightly formal, less common in casual speech.
Synonym Strength: Moderate
4. Briskly
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: Quickly and energetically.
Best Used For: Walking, working, or moving with energy.
Example: She walked briskly to catch the bus.
Nuance: Implies energy and purposefulness, not urgency.
Synonym Strength: Moderate
5. Hastily
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: Quickly, often too quickly or carelessly.
Best Used For: Rushed actions, sometimes with a negative connotation.
Example: He hastily packed his bags and left.
Nuance: Can imply carelessness or lack of thought.
Synonym Strength: Strong
6. Fleetly
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: Moving swiftly and nimbly.
Best Used For: Literary descriptions of graceful speed.
Example: The deer moved fleetly through the trees.
Nuance: Poetic and somewhat uncommon in everyday use.
Synonym Strength: Moderate
7. Immediately
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: At once, without any delay.
Best Used For: Describing an instant response or action.
Example: She responded to the email immediately.
Nuance: Emphasizes the absence of delay, not physical speed.
Synonym Strength: Strong
8. Instantly
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: Happening immediately, without any time passing.
Best Used For: Describing near-instant reactions or effects.
Example: The medicine worked instantly.
Nuance: Suggests an almost zero time gap.
Synonym Strength: Extreme
9. At Once
Part of Speech: Adverb Phrase
Meaning: Immediately, without waiting.
Best Used For: Urgent instructions or requests.
Example: Come here at once!
Nuance: Slightly commanding or urgent in tone.
Synonym Strength: Strong
10. Right Away
Part of Speech: Adverb Phrase
Meaning: Immediately, without delay.
Best Used For: Everyday, casual immediacy.
Example: I’ll take care of it right away.
Nuance: Casual and common in spoken English.
Synonym Strength: Strong
11. Straightaway
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: Immediately, without any pause.
Best Used For: British English or slightly formal contexts.
Example: He recognized her straightaway.
Nuance: Slightly more formal than “right away.”
Synonym Strength: Strong
12. Promptly
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: Without delay, exactly on time.
Best Used For: Describing punctuality or timely action.
Example: She arrived promptly at nine o’clock.
Nuance: Implies reliability and punctuality.
Synonym Strength: Moderate
13. Efficiently
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: In a way that achieves results with minimal wasted time or effort.
Best Used For: Describing competent, well-organized speed.
Example: The team completed the project efficiently.
Nuance: Emphasizes competence, not just raw speed.
Synonym Strength: Moderate
14. Without Delay
Part of Speech: Adverb Phrase
Meaning: Immediately, with no waiting period.
Best Used For: Formal instructions or requests.
Example: Please respond without delay.
Nuance: Formal and direct.
Synonym Strength: Strong
15. Expeditiously
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: Quickly and efficiently.
Best Used For: Formal or business writing.
Example: The request was handled expeditiously.
Nuance: Formal and slightly bureaucratic in tone.
Synonym Strength: Moderate
16. Posthaste
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: With great speed or urgency.
Best Used For: Slightly old-fashioned or playful writing.
Example: Send the documents posthaste.
Nuance: Archaic and somewhat playful.
Synonym Strength: Strong
17. In a Flash
Part of Speech: Adverb Phrase
Meaning: Extremely quickly, almost instantly.
Best Used For: Casual descriptions of extreme speed.
Example: The whole thing was over in a flash.
Nuance: Vivid and informal.
Synonym Strength: Extreme
18. In No Time
Part of Speech: Adverb Phrase
Meaning: Very quickly; before much time has passed.
Best Used For: Casual, reassuring descriptions of speed.
Example: We’ll be there in no time.
Nuance: Casual and often reassuring.
Synonym Strength: Strong
19. Pronto
Part of Speech: Adverb (informal)
Meaning: Immediately; without delay.
Best Used For: Very casual or playful commands.
Example: Get over here, pronto!
Nuance: Playful and informal, often used as a command.
Synonym Strength: Strong
20. Hurriedly
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: In a rushed or hasty manner.
Best Used For: Actions done under time pressure.
Example: She hurriedly finished her breakfast.
Nuance: Implies pressure or lack of ease.
Synonym Strength: Strong
| Word | Sense | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21. Fast | Physical Speed | Moving with great speed | He ran fast to catch the train. |
| 22. Quick as a Flash | Physical Speed (idiom) | Extremely fast | She moved quick as a flash to grab it. |
| 23. Like Lightning | Physical Speed (idiom) | Extremely fast, like a lightning bolt | He reacted like lightning. |
| 24. Nimbly | Physical Speed | Quickly and with agility | She nimbly dodged the obstacles. |
| 25. Rapid-Fire | Physical Speed | Happening in quick succession | He answered the rapid-fire questions calmly. |
| 26. Post-Haste (variant) | Efficiency | With urgent speed | The team was assembled post-haste. |
| 27. Forthwith | Time Immediacy | Immediately, without delay (formal/legal) | The order must be carried out forthwith. |
| 28. Directly | Time Immediacy | Immediately or very soon | I’ll be with you directly. |
| 29. Momentarily | Time Immediacy | In a very short time; soon | The flight will begin boarding momentarily. |
| 30. Without Hesitation | Time Immediacy | Immediately and without pausing to think | She agreed without hesitation. |
| 31. On the Spot | Time Immediacy (idiom) | Immediately, at that exact moment | He was hired on the spot. |
| 32. Then and There | Time Immediacy (idiom) | Immediately, at that exact time and place | She decided then and there to quit. |
| 33. Quick-Smart | Time Immediacy (informal, British) | Very quickly, without delay | Get this done quick-smart. |
| 34. Timely | Efficiency/Promptness | Happening at the right or expected time | Her timely response saved the deal. |
| 35. In Good Time | Efficiency/Promptness | With enough time to spare; promptly | They arrived in good time for the show. |
| 36. Punctually | Efficiency/Promptness | Exactly on time | He arrived punctually for the interview. |
| 37. Without Wasting Time | Efficiency/Promptness | Efficiently, avoiding delay | She got to work without wasting time. |
| 38. Effectively (fast) | Efficiency/Promptness | In a way that produces quick, successful results | The team resolved the issue effectively and fast. |
| 39. Snappily | Efficiency/Promptness (informal) | Quickly and with energy | He snappily handled all the requests. |
| 40. Double-Time | Physical Speed (idiom) | At twice the normal speed | The soldiers marched double-time. |
| 41. Post Haste (variant spelling) | Physical Speed | With great speed and urgency | They traveled post haste to the capital. |
| 42. Zippy | Physical Speed (informal) | Fast and lively | The new car has a zippy engine. |
| 43. Speedy | Physical Speed | Moving or acting fast | They wished her a speedy recovery. |
| 44. Rapid | Physical Speed (adjective form) | Happening at high speed | The rapid pace surprised everyone. |
| 45. Fast-Paced | Physical Speed | Moving or progressing quickly | It was a fast-paced, exciting match. |
| 46. In a Hurry | Time Immediacy (idiom) | Needing to act or move quickly | She left in a hurry this morning. |
| 47. Before You Know It | Time Immediacy (idiom) | Very soon, almost unexpectedly quick | Before you know it, the deadline arrived. |
| 48. In a Jiffy | Time Immediacy (informal) | Very quickly, in a moment | I’ll be back in a jiffy. |
| 49. In a Wink | Time Immediacy (idiom) | Almost instantly | The trick was done in a wink. |
| 50. Lickety-Split | Physical Speed (informal) | Very fast; at full speed | The kids ran lickety-split to the ice cream truck. |
| 51. On the Double | Time Immediacy (idiom) | Very quickly; immediately | Get over here on the double. |
| 52. Chop-Chop | Time Immediacy (informal) | Quickly, used as an urging command | Chop-chop, we’re already late. |
| 53. Fast Track (verb phrase) | Efficiency/Promptness | To move or process something quickly | They fast-tracked the approval process. |
| 54. Sharpish | Time Immediacy (informal, British) | Fairly quickly; without much delay | We should leave sharpish if we want good seats. |
| 55. Presto | Time Immediacy (informal) | Suddenly and quickly, as if by magic | Add the yeast, wait an hour, and presto, dough. |
| 56. Fast and Furious | Physical Speed (idiom) | Extremely fast and intense | The action came fast and furious in the final act. |
| 57. Without Further Ado | Time Immediacy (idiom) | Immediately, without additional delay | Without further ado, let’s begin. |
| 58. Prompt as Ever | Efficiency/Promptness | Reliably quick and on time | He was prompt as ever with the report. |
| 59. Nippy (pace, informal) | Physical Speed (British informal) | Fast, especially in movement | She kept a nippy pace on the trail. |
| 60. Full Speed | Physical Speed | At maximum possible speed | The car sped off at full speed. |
| 61. Breakneck | Physical Speed | Dangerously or extremely fast | They drove at a breakneck pace. |
| 62. Whirlwind | Physical Speed (figurative) | Extremely fast-moving or hectic | It was a whirlwind trip through five cities. |
| 63. Precipitously (fast) | Physical Speed | Very suddenly and quickly | Prices fell precipitously overnight. |
| 64. Without Missing a Beat | Efficiency/Promptness (idiom) | Immediately and smoothly, without pause | She answered without missing a beat. |
| 65. In Short Order | Time Immediacy (idiom) | Very quickly; promptly | The problem was fixed in short order. |
Closest, Contextual, and Related Alternatives
| Closest Synonyms | Contextual Synonyms | Related Words |
|---|---|---|
| Swiftly | Promptly (punctuality) | Speed |
| Rapidly | Immediately (no delay) | Haste |
| Speedily | Efficiently (competence) | Pace |
| Briskly | Forthwith (formal/legal) | Urgency |
Synonyms by Intensity
| Intensity | Words |
|---|---|
| Mild | Promptly, briskly, in good time, timely |
| Moderate | Quickly, rapidly, swiftly, speedily |
| Strong | Hastily, immediately, at once, pronto |
| Extreme | Instantly, in a flash, lickety-split, breakneck |
Formal vs Informal
| Formal | Informal |
|---|---|
| Expeditiously, forthwith | Pronto, chop-chop |
| Without delay | In a jiffy, lickety-split |
| Promptly | Right away |
| Posthaste | On the double |
Quickly vs Immediately
“Quickly” describes the speed of an action itself, while “immediately” emphasizes the lack of delay before it starts.
Quickly vs Hastily
“Hastily” often implies rushing carelessly, while “quickly” is neutral about the quality of the action.
Quickly vs Promptly
“Promptly” emphasizes punctuality and reliability, while “quickly” simply describes speed without implying timeliness.
Quickly vs Efficiently
“Efficiently” focuses on competent use of time and resources, while “quickly” focuses purely on speed.
Words Related But Not Exact Synonyms
- Easily — describes lack of difficulty, not necessarily speed.
- Suddenly — describes an unexpected occurrence, not ongoing speed.
- Carefully — describes attentiveness, often the opposite of rushing.
- Early — describes timing relative to a schedule, not speed of action.
Words Related
Speed, haste, pace, urgency, promptness, efficiency, swiftness, velocity.
Common Collocations
Act quickly, react quickly, quickly realized, work quickly, quickly become, respond quickly, quickly learn, move quickly.
Antonyms
| Sense | Antonym |
|---|---|
| Physical Speed | Slowly, sluggishly, leisurely |
| Time Immediacy | Eventually, later, in due course |
| Efficiency/Promptness | Belatedly, tardily, inefficiently |
How to Choose the Right Synonym
Start by identifying which kind of speed you’re describing. For physical movement, “swiftly,” “rapidly,” and “briskly” all work, with “briskly” implying energy rather than urgency. For immediacy in time, “immediately,” “instantly,” and “right away” all emphasize lack of delay, with “instantly” being the most extreme. For efficient or punctual completion, “promptly” and “efficiently” both work, with “efficiently” emphasizing competence over raw speed. For dramatic or informal writing, idioms like “in a flash” or “lickety-split” add color and personality.
Common Mistakes
Using “hastily” as a neutral synonym: “Hastily” often implies carelessness — use “quickly” or “promptly” when no negative judgment is intended.
Confusing “immediately” with physical speed: “Immediately” is about timing, not the pace of an action itself — it can describe a slow action that simply starts right away.
Overusing dramatic idioms in formal writing: Phrases like “lickety-split” or “chop-chop” are too casual for professional or academic contexts.
Treating “efficiently” as purely about speed: “Efficiently” also implies competent use of resources, not just fast completion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a formal synonym for “quickly”?
“Expeditiously” and “forthwith” are both formal alternatives, often used in business or legal writing.
What’s the strongest word for “quickly”?
“Instantly” and “in a flash” both convey near-immediate speed, stronger than “quickly” alone.
What’s a word for doing something quickly but carelessly?
“Hastily” specifically implies rushing in a way that may sacrifice care or quality.
What’s a casual way to say “quickly”?
“Pronto,” “in a jiffy,” and “lickety-split” are all playful, informal ways to express speed.
What’s the difference between “quickly” and “promptly”?
“Quickly” describes speed itself, while “promptly” emphasizes doing something on time or without delay.
Conclusion
“Quickly” spans physical speed, immediacy, and efficient completion, with 65 synonyms available to capture the exact pace you mean — from the gentle energy of “briskly” to the dramatic urgency of “in a flash.” Matching the right word to the right context makes your writing sharper and more dynamic.
