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
So trying to stay disciplined, always staying ready for my opportunity, being ready to go from zero to 100. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025 The powers that be aren’t ready to reveal that just yet. Andy Swift, TVLine, 6 June 2025
Verb
That fight is now on—albeit mostly off-camera—as a new wave of challengers readies its lines against incumbents Tether and Circle. Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, del Toro is readying his version of the Mary Shelley horror classic, Frankenstein, for release on Netflix sometime in November. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 31 May 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
  • Takeaway: The companies leading Latin America's transformation are those whose leaders are willing to break the rules to rewrite the game—and inspire others to follow.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • That takes us to the flip side of this trade: If Bane is so good, why was Memphis willing to move on from him?
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Some fans were quick to show concern for Paltrow in the comments, warning the Goop founder about the dangers of topless cooking.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 15 June 2025
  • Israel was quick to retaliate, targeting an oil refinery and hitting buildings in Tehran.
    / CBS News, CBS News, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Reach for hydrogen peroxide to make cleaning easier.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 13 June 2025
  • But school officials across the country worry that making lawsuits easier to win will create a more adversarial relationship between parents and schools in the difficult negotiations needed to balance a student’s needs with a school’s limited resources.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • On the other hand, some small-business owners may only have an annual relationship with their accountant or tax professional, or even opt to prepare their taxes themselves.
    Vlad Rusz, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • With the revenue-sharing era now officially underway, Title IX defense attorneys say colleges are preparing for a potential wave of gender-equity lawsuits from athletes, especially challenges over how that revenue is distributed.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • Coupang has been moving quickly to fortify Farfetch after purchasing the company out of administration at the end of 2023.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 19 June 2025
  • The island itself is cut off from the mainland via a path that only appears at low tide, and its citizens keep a constant vigil at the ramshackle but heavily fortified entrance.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Compare this to Alaska, the best prepared state, according to CanadaCasino.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2025
  • One of the sticking points may be whether Lionsgate is prepared to relinquish its direct distribution in the UK and one or two other markets as part of the deal.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • My guess, therefore, is that Hemsley and the other UnitedHealth executive will end up being glad about their May purchases.
    John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • As a father of two, Johnson was glad to see Tech N9ne leading the lineup, citing the rapper’s wide-ranging appeal.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2025

Cite this Entry

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

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