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

Then, there’s Joshua, who looks like a Greek statue and sometimes is as quick as one. — Los Angeles Times, "Boxing’s heavyweight division is brimming with chaos and unpredictability," 17 Sep. 2019 More suspect than these series were the critics quick to parrot the networks’ marketing-speak. — Adam Wilson, Harper's magazine, "Good Bad Bad Good," 16 Sep. 2019 The good news is sheet masks are available at a range of price points, great for a quick hydrating pick-me-up and an easy splurge. — Nikhita Mahtani, CNN Underscored, "10 top-rated sheet masks you can buy on Amazon right now," 11 Sep. 2019 That’s far quicker than a signal can even reach your brain. — Quanta Magazine, "Where Quantum Probability Comes From," 9 Sep. 2019 One thing is clear: A quick, in-person visit to your Mattress Firm store isn't enough. — Christopher Elliott, courant.com, "Problem Solved: Mattress Firm bed has a dip but company won’t replace it," 6 Sep. 2019 This is much simpler and faster than genetically engineering a plant for viral resistance, allowing scientists and farmers to keep up with the quick evolution of viral pathogens. — Eva Frederick, Science | AAAS, "New ‘medicine’ could vaccinate plants against devastating viruses," 26 Aug. 2019 Warning signs of recession often spur quick-fix policy solutions to jump-start the economy. — The Christian Science Monitor, "proactive approach to wildfire prevention," 19 Aug. 2019 But several Democratic presidential candidates were quick to call for Kavanaugh's impeachment. — Lisa Mascaro, Fortune, "Why New Brett Kavanaugh Allegation Is Unlikely to Prompt Impeachment," 16 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

The Broncos were torn apart by Oakland’s quick passing game last week and now must account for Chicago wide receiver Allen Robinson, who caught seven passes for 102 yards vs. Green Bay. — Kyle Fredrickson, The Denver Post, "Broncos Scouting Report: How Denver matches against the Bears and predictions," 15 Sep. 2019 The lightening-quick, witty insults fired from one friend to the other also adds plenty of laughs — captions will help. — Ruth Kinane, EW.com, "5 reasons you should stop everything and watch Derry Girls on Netflix right now," 20 Aug. 2019 That same technology makes the shoes quick-drying and easy to clean. — Dan Q. Dao, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Waterproof Shoes You Can Wear for an Entire Trip," 2 Aug. 2019 Dining is moving this way too, with more restaurants following the Qdoba-style quick-serve, fast-casual configuration in which customers move down a line and select prepared ingredients for their meal, often with no wait time for cooking. — Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al.com, "Stovehouse: dining guide to new Huntsville food garden," 23 July 2019 Mostly using quick-hitting passes and taking advantage of their abilities to make would-be tacklers miss, receivers Connor Wedington and Michael Wilson combined for 13 catches for 116 yards. — Rusty Simmons, SFChronicle.com, "Stanford wins opener vs. Northwestern, loses quarterback K.J. Costello," 31 Aug. 2019 Holowka’s colleagues on the popular game Night in the Woods were quick to cut ties with him. — Wired, "Gaming's #MeToo Moment and the Tyranny of Male Fragility," 6 Sep. 2019 This band can get red hot real quick in the live setting with a powerful guitar and harmonica driven sound that often hearkens back to all the great Chicago blues masters. — Chip Mccabe, courant.com, "One can’t-miss band for every day at The Big E," 3 Sep. 2019 Tinted lip balm is great for a healthy, super-quick flush of color. — NBC News, "Mika's makeup artist: How to look ready to conquer the world in 10 minutes," 24 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Six San Francisco supervisors have put their backing behind a striking vision of mental health care in in the city: quick, free and 24/7 access to psychiatrists and pharmacists to any city resident with or without insurance. — Taylor Kate Brown, SFChronicle.com, "Bay Briefing: How much will free mental health care for all cost San Francisco?," 11 June 2019 Is the quick of friendship here, in finding the same things lastingly funny? — Benjamin Taylor, Harper's magazine, "Exit Ghost," 10 Mar. 2019 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

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.