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
While his two-way role requires extensive off-field work to stay ready for both jobs, Ohtani had pitched in only two games over the past 30 days before Game 4, thanks to the permutations of the Dodgers’ schedule. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025 When the movie finally nabbed a spot on the 2017 Cannes lineup, there were still scenes to shoot and Ramsay was left with a week to get the film ready. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
But that product is now being phased out as well as CNN readies a standalone streaming subscription to a product that will just be called … CNN. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2025 And the trajectory in recent weeks has been very concerning as Israel was readying to launch an operation against Gaza City. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 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
  • The inconvenience, or in some cases hardship, of a shutdown has become wrapped up in the blame each side is assigning to the other, with neither party willing to budge over Democratic demands on healthcare.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Desert View Drive, a 25-mile scenic route along Arizona Highway 64, is a low-key wonder that rewards those willing to wander slightly off the park’s busiest paths.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Most of the song, the pre-chorus, chorus, all that stuff, that was really quick.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • When laundry day rolls around, simply throw the durable topper in the laundry with the rest of your bedding for easy maintenance and tumble dry with no heat.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • It will soon be connected to Oaxaca City next year for easy access.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • You should also be prepared to replace worn hoses, especially for ranges that connect with flexible gas lines.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Enduring hunger alongside heavy, unbelievable sounds of explosions, some of the relatives sheltering in our house decided to prepare their bags and head south.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And if hair growth is a concern, droves of shoppers recommend this Pura D’or shampoo and conditioner duo that’s fortified with biotin to encourage fuller, healthier-looking hair.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • But though the iconic museum was initially constructed as a building meant to safeguard and fortify the area, thieves have managed to get through its defenses on a number of occasions and carry off priceless works of art.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But the singer is prepared to show fans that both sides of her sound can coexist, with a little help from Lady Gaga.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Duffy, however, added that the absences were isolated, and the agency is prepared to slow air traffic as needed to meet controller staffing levels.
    John Tufts, Freep.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The decision, announced Friday, was made in close consultation with Britain’s King Charles III, who is believed to be glad at the outcome, while Prince William and other members of the royal family were also consulted on the discussions, CNN understands.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
  • That youthful connection continued through other hosts who took over NBC's Late Night franchise, from the serious silliness of Conan O'Brien to the hard-partying glad-handing of Jimmy Fallon.
    Eric Deggans, NPR, 13 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Ready.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ready. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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