rapid-fire

adjective

rap·​id-fire ˌra-pəd-ˈfī(-ə)r How to pronounce rapid-fire (audio)
Synonyms of rapid-firenext
1
: firing or adapted for firing shots in rapid succession
2
: marked by rapidity, liveliness, or sharpness
a comedian with a rapid-fire delivery

Synonyms of rapid-fire

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Examples of rapid-fire in a Sentence

the witness stayed unruffled all through the prosecutor's rapid-fire questioning
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Vance speaks with the manipulative skill of a politician who has cultivated a rapid-fire style designed not to persuade, but to overwhelm. — Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026 But doubts remain about whether the legislation can keep pace with AI’s rapid-fire development. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 After a rapid-fire couple of possessions to open the game — including a two-play touchdown drive from Boise State — the Broncos produced several long scoring drives. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 11 Oct. 2026 The former reality television worker who lives in North Hollywood shows off a neon-green watch in a live video as viewers bid on her rapid-fire offers. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rapid-fire

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rapid-fire was in 1890

Rhymes for rapid-fire

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Browse Nearby Words

rapid eye movement sleep
rapid-fire
rapid-fire gun
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Cite this Entry

“Rapid-fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapid-fire. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rapid-fire

adjective
rap·​id-fire
ˌrap-əd-ˈfī(ə)r
1
: able to fire shots rapidly
a rapid-fire weapon
2
: marked by a rapid rate or pace
spoke rapid-fire Spanish
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