quick

adjective

\ ˈkwik

Definition of quick

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : acting or capable of acting with speed: such as

a(1) : fast in development or occurrence a quick succession of events

(2) : done or taking place with rapidity gave them a quick look

b(1) : fast in understanding, thinking, or learning : mentally agile a quick wit quick thinking

(2) : reacting to stimuli with speed and keen sensitivity

(3) : aroused immediately and intensely quick tempers

c : marked by speed, readiness, or promptness of physical movement walked with quick steps

d : inclined to hastiness (as in action or response) quick to criticize

e : capable of being easily and speedily prepared a quick and tasty dinner

2 : having a sharp angle a quick turn in the road

3 : not dead : living, alive

4a : moving, shifting quick mud

b archaic : not stagnant : running, flowing

5 archaic : fiery, glowing

6 archaic : pregnant

7 obsolete

a : pungent

b : caustic

quick

adverb

Definition of quick (Entry 2 of 3)

: in a quick manner

quick

noun

Definition of quick (Entry 3 of 3)

1 [ probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse kvika sensitive flesh, from kvikr living ]

a : a painfully sensitive spot or area of flesh (such as that underlying a fingernail or toenail)

b : the inmost sensibilities hurt to the quick by the remark

c : the very center of something : heart

2 quick plural : living beings

3 archaic : life sense 11

Other Words from quick Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about quick

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Choose the Right Synonym for quick

Adjective

quick, prompt, ready, apt mean able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability. quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power. quick reflexes a keen quick mind prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response. prompt emergency medical care ready suggests facility or fluency in response. backed by a pair of ready assistants 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

synonyms see in addition fast

Adjective

quick, prompt, and ready mean able to respond right away. quick is used when the response is immediate and often when the ability is part of a person's nature. He has quick reflexes. prompt is used when the ability to respond right away is the product of training and discipline. The store gives prompt service. ready is used when the response comes easy or is smooth. He always had a ready answer to every question.

Examples of quick in a Sentence

Adjective

They had a quick drink at the bar. She took a quick shower. She gave him a quick kiss. You're back already? That was quick! We made a quick decision, but it turned out to be a good one. He got a quick reply to his inquiry. His quick thinking allowed him to escape trouble. Her friends admired her quick wit. He walked with quick steps. She has quick, agile hands.

Adverb

a scheme to get rich quick I got used to living with a roommate pretty quick. I can't run any quicker.

Noun

that nasty comment cut me to the quick

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

On the other hand, analysts in Europe are quick to point out that US pressures have gotten results. — Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, "NATO: Does old squabble over costs mask US shift away from Europe?," 10 July 2018 Here’s a quick primer on the statute and the controversy that swirls around it. — Eric Barker, idahostatesman, "Headed outdoors? Make sure you know about Idaho's new trespassing law," 9 July 2018 Here's a quick primer on the Government Property Lease Excise Tax. — Jerod Macdonald-evoy, azcentral, "Tempe settles with state over improper developer tax breaks," 27 June 2018 USA Today has a quick primer on what’s changed and what hasn’t after the signing of the order. — NBC News, "First Read's Morning Clips: Six-in-10 say their ballot will be a referendum on Trump," 21 June 2018 Here is a quick primer on Louisville's four NBA draft-eligible players: Ray Spalding Draft projection: Second round. — Jeff Greer, The Courier-Journal, "2018 NBA draft: When might Louisville basketball players be selected?," 20 June 2018 The technology can potentially help make blood draws much quicker and easier, especially in difficult populations: children, the elderly, the obese, and people with dark skin (whose veins are more difficult to see on the surface). — Emily Matchar, Smithsonian, "A Robot May One Day Draw Your Blood," 13 July 2018 At the same time, Navy and Marine Corps leaders are quick to acknowledge that there is a massive shortfall of Amphibious Assault Ships across the two services. — Kris Osborn, Fox News, "Navy pushes for more amphibious assault ships," 13 July 2018 While Aritzia’s executives might be quick to thank Markle, J. Crew certainly hasn’t seen a similar boost from Markle—or other customers—over the last few quarters. — Rachel King, Fortune, "Meghan Markle Is Being Credited With Boosting Aritzia's Earnings. But Is the 'Meghan Effect' Real?," 13 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

City leaders are in high dudgeon since three quick-moving rental outfits are posting scores of electric scooters without permission on downtown sidewalks. — San Francisco Chronicle, "Little kid traffic hazards," 17 Apr. 2018 The squirrel monkeys in The Monkey Village, which is a walk-through exhibit on the Tropics Trail where there’s nothing between you and the curious, quick-moving monkeys. — Jennifer Mcclellan, azcentral, "Phoenix Zoo: What to know before you go. A helpful guide for families planning to visit," 11 Apr. 2018 The lesson seems to pull straight from Walker’s days scribbling on walls, where the pressures of tagging required quick thinking. — Anthony J. Rivera, Washington Post, "Living D.C. graffiti legend went from rowdy thug to art teacher," 28 June 2018 Justify broke clean and went to the lead, moving quick over the first quarter before establishing a rhythm and slowing the pace. — Fletcher Page, The Courier-Journal, "Mike Smith showed value of age, experience in Justify's Triple Crown," 15 June 2018 Belgium and Japan play similar styles of soccer, rooted in national youth-development programs that emphasize technical skill, quick passing in small spaces, and constant circulation of the ball. — Laurent Dubois, The Atlantic, "The Improbable Beauty of Lukaku’s Hop," 6 July 2018 Wicomicon has been pulled together remarkably quick. — Graeme Mcmillan, The Hollywood Reporter, "Pop-Up Fan Event Launches Out of Failed Baltimore Convention," 27 Apr. 2018 Then there were more calls for TBS to cancel her show, as a tit-for-tat retribution for Barr’s quick ousting. — Bridget Read, Vogue, "No, Samantha Bee Did Not Pull a Roseanne With Her Ivanka Trump Comments," 31 May 2018 The goal is to get those people out as quick as possible. — Frank Abderholden, Lake County News-Sun, "Active shooter drill teaches ‘run, hide, fight’ strategy at Waukegan school," 15 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Spencer Stouffer, of Hilton Head Island, owns one of three in South Carolina, and gave us more than a peek at the lightning-quick (0 to 60 in under 4 seconds), state-of-the-art electric car. — Lisa Gutierrez, kansascity, "Elon Musk accused of stealing farting unicorn artwork after artist raises a stink," 29 June 2018 The site is bordered by the Frazee retail center to the east, the Orange Garden apartments to the south and an automotive quick-lube business to the west. — Steve Dreyer, Pomerado News, "Old bank to make way for dialysis center," 6 June 2018 The strong, but lightning-quick, 5-2 forward finished her Porkers career with 68 goals and 49 assists. — BostonGlobe.com, "2017-18 Field Hockey All-Scholastics," 7 May 2018 The strong, but lightning-quick, 5-2 forward finished her Porkers career with 68 goals and 49 assists. — BostonGlobe.com, "2017-18 Field Hockey All-Scholastics," 7 May 2018 The strong, but lightning-quick, 5-2 forward finished her Porkers career with 68 goals and 49 assists. — BostonGlobe.com, "2017-18 Field Hockey All-Scholastics," 6 May 2018 The strong, but lightning-quick, 5-2 forward finished her Porkers career with 68 goals and 49 assists. — BostonGlobe.com, "2017-18 Field Hockey All-Scholastics," 21 Apr. 2018 Some people are fast after 40 meters and some have quick starts. — Ted Dunnam, Houston Chronicle, "Area track: Local athletes shine in star-studded meet," 20 Apr. 2018 The spillway is the reservoir's primary tool for flushing out massive amounts of water in a quick, controlled way. — Joseph Serna, latimes.com, "Atmospheric river brings impressive rain, risk of flooded rivers and test of Oroville Dam's spillway," 7 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'quick.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.