quick-witted

adjective

quick-wit·​ted ˈkwik-ˈwi-təd 

: quick in perception and understanding : mentally alert

quick-wittedly adverb

quick-wittedness noun

Synonyms

• intelligent
• clever
• smart
• quick
• fast
• brilliant
• sharp

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

the quick-witted child easily figured out the trick to making the toy work

Recent Examples on the Web

This is especially true when considering its journey through fickle and quick-witted Gemini, a prelude of what’s to come after its official debut on July 7 for the first time in 84 years. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025

For another, Deandra is a far more internal, emotionally restrained part than any of the wisecracking, quick-witted characters Hall is best known for. —Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025

Spencer turned herself into a household name at just 11 years old, playing the sassy and quick-witted Dee Thomas. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025

But no one says it better than Patrick Renna, who originated the line as the trash-talking, quick-witted, and unapologetic character Ham Porter. —Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 29 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for quick-witted

• acquitted
• admitted
• befitted
• committed
• emitted
• omitted
• outfitted
• outwitted
• permitted
• refitted
• remitted
• submitted

Kids Definition

quick-witted

adjective

quick-wit·​ted

ˈkwik-ˈwit-əd

: quick in thinking and understanding : mentally alert

quick-wittedness noun