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 rapid-fire lyrical delivery with her two backup singers coupled with horns even more scintillating live illustrated why that song deserves its exclamation point. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

So the fact that Claridge’s popped into all three of their heads during the rapid-fire questions of our interview is a testament to just how special the London mainstay is. —Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026

David Mackenzie’s Fuze kicks off in comically rapid-fire fashion, with brief, interrupted shots of various characters discovering … well, something. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026

On Sunday morning, the usual crowds filled the streets as bars and nightclubs were closing in Sacramento when the sound of rapid-fire gunshots sent people running in terror. —CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rapid-fire

• acquire
• attire
• bonfire
• campfire
• ceasefire
• conspire
• desire
• enquire
• entire
• greenbrier
• gunfire
• homebuyer

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