rapidity

noun

ra·​pid·​i·​ty rə-ˈpi-də-tē How to pronounce rapidity (audio)
ra-
Synonyms of rapiditynext
: the quality or state of being rapid

Synonyms of rapidity

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Examples of rapidity in a Sentence

the rapidity with which she can do mental math calculations is amazing
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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.
One thing is the rapidity that these data centers are coming online, that people didn't see coming. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026 The researchers found another clue in net-proton yields measured across rapidity in photonuclear collisions. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026 My line supply decreases with distressing rapidity. — Ralph Tuttle, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2026 Matthew Arnold, in the 19th century, famously said the qualities of Homer are the plainness, the rapidity, and the nobility. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rapidity

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Latin; French rapidité, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin rapiditāt-, rapiditās, from rapidus "flowing violently, rapid entry 1" + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rapidity was in 1654

Rhymes for rapidity

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Browse Nearby Words

rapid-fire mount
rapidity
rapidly
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Cite this Entry

“Rapidity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapidity. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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