quick-witted

adjective

quick-wit·​ted ˈkwik-ˈwi-təd How to pronounce quick-witted (audio)
: quick in perception and understanding : mentally alert
quick-wittedly adverb
quick-wittedness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for quick-witted

intelligent, clever, alert, quick-witted mean mentally keen or quick.

intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems.

an intelligent person could assemble it fast

clever implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities.

clever with words

alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding.

alert to new technology

quick-witted implies promptness in finding answers in debate or in devising expedients in moments of danger or challenge.

no match for his quick-witted opponent

Examples of quick-witted in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Affable and quick-witted, Hendricks was among the Orioles’ most prolific ambassadors, signing autographs, hosting baseball camps and portraying Santa Claus at the team’s Christmas parties. Paul McCardell, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2024 Both were fiercely independent, quick-witted and highly motivated individuals. Jonathan W. White, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2024 Maggie Smith quickly became the audience favorite for her role as Violet Crawley, the staunch and quick-witted matriarch from a bygone era. Keith Langston, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2024 Fahy, 33, who quickly became a fan-favorite character as quick-witted Daphne Sullivan, wore a stunning red strapless gown reminiscent of the red Balmain dress Margot Robbie rocked a day prior at the Critics Choice Awards. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 16 Jan. 2024 Alexander played quick-witted public defender Maxine. Eric Andersson, Peoplemag, 7 Jan. 2024 Paul is somewhere hiding, but will eventually make an entrance with his charming British accent and a quick-witted joke or three. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 28 Dec. 2023 But without Henson as the confident, sultry, quick-witted Shug Avery, Celie wouldn't come into her own, and the sisterhood at the center of The Color Purple wouldn't be as profound. Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 19 Dec. 2023 Deft yet serious, quick-witted yet substantive, Nikki Haley’s debate performances are feats of political athleticism that few can match. Molly Ball, WSJ, 7 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quick-witted.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quick-witted was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near quick-witted

Cite this Entry

“Quick-witted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quick-witted. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

quick-witted

adjective
quick-wit·​ted
ˈkwik-ˈwit-əd
: quick in thinking and understanding : mentally alert
quick-wittedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on quick-witted

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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