ready 1 of 2

1
as in go
being in a state of fitness for some experience or action after studying for months, she felt ready for the bar exam

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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ready

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ready contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ready are apt, prompt, and quick. While all these words mean "able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability," ready suggests facility or fluency in response.

backed by a pair of ready assistants

When is it sensible to use apt instead of ready?

The meanings of apt and ready largely overlap; however, apt stresses the possession of qualities (such as intelligence, a particular talent, or a strong bent) that makes quick effective response possible.

an apt student
her answer was apt and to the point

Where would prompt be a reasonable alternative to ready?

While in some cases nearly identical to ready, prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response.

prompt emergency medical care

When is quick a more appropriate choice than ready?

The words quick and ready can be used in similar contexts, but quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power.

quick reflexes
a keen quick mind

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ready
Adjective
So trying to stay disciplined, always staying ready for my opportunity, being ready to go from zero to 100. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025 The powers that be aren’t ready to reveal that just yet. Andy Swift, TVLine, 6 June 2025
Verb
That fight is now on—albeit mostly off-camera—as a new wave of challengers readies its lines against incumbents Tether and Circle. Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, del Toro is readying his version of the Mary Shelley horror classic, Frankenstein, for release on Netflix sometime in November. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ready
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ready
Adjective
  • If the Cowboys opt for the poison preferred recently by Carolina, Evans — Tampa Bay’s career receiving yardage leader — could conduct a go-route clinic.
    Joey Knight, Dallas News, 14 Jan. 2023
  • This is my new go-spring treat for sunny afternoons and porch-chair traveling.
    Kim Sunée, Anchorage Daily News, 22 Apr. 2021
Adjective
  • Denverites willing to brave the heat and visit the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance this summer may be able to sneak a peek at a new baby sloth snoozing and snuggling in the treetops of the Tropical Discovery exhibit.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
  • Furthermore, success stories will only emerge from firms willing to rethink workflows from the ground up.
    Sol Rashidi, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • By 1977, the Trans Am’s power had diminished significantly compared to vehicles from the high-output era that came to a quick close following the 1973 oil crisis, one that took the wind out of performance.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
  • The app features guest mode sessions that disappear after use as well as a hidden exit button for quick redirection if an abuser walks into the room.
    Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • SodaStream's carbonation canister exchange is the cheapest of any device maker in this guide, and the proprietary bottles are also easy to replace at $22 for two.
    Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 25 June 2025
  • Completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 made immigration into California and shipping produce out of the state much easier.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • So, the National Weather Service has been working closely with FIFA’s safety and security chief to develop plans for all 11 U.S. cities preparing to host World Cup games next year.
    Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • This area is fairly rugged, so be prepared for a hike and wear appropriate clothing and shoes.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Coupang has been moving quickly to fortify Farfetch after purchasing the company out of administration at the end of 2023.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 19 June 2025
  • The island itself is cut off from the mainland via a path that only appears at low tide, and its citizens keep a constant vigil at the ramshackle but heavily fortified entrance.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Outfront officials declined interview requests this week but emailed a prepared statement.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • Yet the most prepared founders can still leverage it.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • My guess, therefore, is that Hemsley and the other UnitedHealth executive will end up being glad about their May purchases.
    John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • As a father of two, Johnson was glad to see Tech N9ne leading the lineup, citing the rapper’s wide-ranging appeal.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Ready.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ready. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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