rapid-fire

adjective

rap·​id-fire ˌra-pəd-ˈfī(-ə)r 

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

• rapid
• brisk
• quick
• fast
• galloping

Examples of rapid-fire in a Sentence

the witness stayed unruffled all through the prosecutor's rapid-fire questioning

Recent Examples on the Web

Her distinctive costumes, turbans, platform shoes and rapid-fire singing style became instantly recognizable trademarks and opened the doors to Hollywood. — Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026

Let's rapid-fire this Monday class and get ready for a big night of playoff baseball and NFL football. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Sorkin, whether as a writer or a writer-director, is known for his razor-sharp, rapid-fire dialogue and his examination of social and political ideals. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026

The last part of the episode was a lighter rapid-fire Q and A about Vrabel’s pet peeves. — Mike Semel, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rapid-fire

• mcintire
• admire
• afire
• aspire
• backfire
• esquire
• expire
• haywire
• hellfire
• inquire
• inspire
• newswire

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