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

Urban Outfitters has tons of fun gadgets that tend to sell out quick, so make sure to get your hands on this summertime staple. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "Step Up Your Shower Game With This Waterproof Speaker That Doubles As a Beer Holder," 6 May 2019 On the other hand, the wackiness, the didn't-see-that-coming twists, and Reynolds' quick-barbed tongue are all here—and all benefit from viewers going in blind. — Sam Machkovech And Nathan Mattise, Ars Technica, "Films for the discerning nerd: Ars picks the best of 2018," 27 Dec. 2018 My badass blue-green faded quicker than a celebrity engagement. — Jaime Osnato, SELF, "How I Keep My Temporary Hair Color Fresh to Death," 4 Apr. 2019 Republicans are quicker than Democrats: Republicans cast secret ballot votes on paper for their preferred nominee. — Megan Ditrolio, Marie Claire, "How Is a Caucus Different From a Primary? Your Definitive Guide," 28 Feb. 2019 Now several manufacturers are planning to eclipse those memories with planes that are cleaner, quieter, and yes, quicker than the Concorde. — Matthew Kronsberg, WSJ, "Tokyo to San Francisco in 5½ Hours? If All Goes Well, Yes," 8 Feb. 2019 The Trump factor brought it on quicker by opening up more pathways to war. — Alex Ward, Vox, "How Trump made the North Korea crisis worse," 12 Dec. 2018 The flying time for the 8,070-mile distance from Seattle to Singapore is 16 hours, 30 minutes—about two hours shy of the record-setting Newark-Changi haul, and still quicker than the 17 hour, 50-minute flight from LAX to Changi. — Katherine Lagrave, Condé Nast Traveler, "Singapore Airlines to Fly Nonstop to Seattle," 1 Nov. 2018 The process was much quicker than my Instant Pot prepping, too. — Lindsey Murray, Good Housekeeping, "You'll Never Cook Rice on the Stove Again Thanks to This Microwave Rice Cooker," 16 Oct. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

Pancake batter needs quick, instant heat to properly rise and develop a perfect brown color. — Audrey Bruno, SELF, "How to Make Perfect Homemade Pancakes in 7 Easy Steps," 27 Mar. 2019 It's packed with drama, horror, humor, and lots of little hints that flash by in quick-cut moments. — Marci Robin, Allure, "The Stranger Things 3 Trailer Just Dropped, and Eleven Is Wearing Hopper’s Daughter’s Hair Tie," 21 Mar. 2019 And real quick, does this part go on the podcast too? — Eric Johnson, Recode, "Full Q&A: Ezra Klein and Kara Swisher on the future of journalism," 12 Dec. 2018 Dean Jones can be seen running from the pit to the car, helping to get Mike out of the car as quick as possible. — Crystal Hill, miamiherald, "Father pulled son from burning car during race, video shows. That broke NASCAR rules," 21 June 2018 But Omar’s quick thumbs also have caused problems for herself and Democratic leadership. — Amy Forliti, The Seattle Times, "Twitter dustup, apology not firsts for Minnesota Rep. Omar," 12 Feb. 2019 Are some pundits quick to assume Kavanaugh is lying when the judge says no such assault happened 36 years ago? — Fox News, "Media's Kavanaugh spectacle," 24 Sep. 2018 Boston cut Cleveland’s lead to 100-93 in the fourth quarter with 4:29 remaining, but quick back-to-back buckets at the rim by Tristan Thompson and James extended the Cavs’ lead to 104-93 with 3:31 left. — Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY, "LeBron James scores 44 as Cavs hold off feisty Celtics to even series 2-2," 21 May 2018 Real quick, the goal of Manny’s is to create a central place for people to become better informed and more involved citizens. — Eric Johnson, Recode, "Full Q&A: Ezra Klein and Kara Swisher on the future of journalism," 12 Dec. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

One quick buzz in the blender later, and McConnell’s masterpiece was complete. — Andrew Daniels, Popular Mechanics, "This Mad Science Experiment Is the Key to the Perfect Mint Julep," 3 May 2019 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

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.