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
These programs incorporate career coaching, interview preparation, and workplace etiquette to help graduates become workplace ready. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 24 July 2025 Fair weather in winter and spring, plus this summer’s extended heatwave, yielded an abundance of peach blossoms, and the orchard is now ready for families to pick their own peaches right off the branches. Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
Still, venture capitalists told CNBC that there are plenty of companies with the financial metrics to be public, and that more of them are readying for the process. Samantha Subin, CNBC, 3 July 2025 None of these companies has been skimping on advancing their production capabilities and sustainability credentials, though, readying for a bounce back of the sector. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 1 July 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
  • That means listening to the courageous parents and former yeshiva students who have spoken out and sounded the alarm — and being willing to stand up to entrenched interests when the stakes are as high as a child’s future.
    Adina Mermelstein Konikoff, New York Daily News, 22 July 2025
  • Marino knew all about those other things, and was willing to spill the information.
    Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, use this time to wind down maybe by stretching, reading, journaling or even doing a quick emotional check-in.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • The latest of the spacecraft, known as sounding rockets, most recently made a successful quick trip to space to study one of the most complex regions of the sun's atmosphere following a New Mexico launch.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, some will still find this airport to be easier, given the unmatched flight availability to and from Cancún.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • Designing two spaces to enjoy for years would have been much easier if the Ezra collection had existed from the Better Homes & Gardens line at Walmart.
    Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • Firefighters, aided by wind, prepare for fire to shift course Firefighters actively engaged in preparation efforts to limit the fire's chance of spreading to the lodge and store, with the fire inching closer to the store on the east side of the closed State Route 67.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
  • The event will help shooters prepare for the statewide Marksmanship Challenge.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • Tensions over the exchange led to Cambodian, then later Thai, soldiers fortifying positions along the border.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
  • Their critical work encompasses keeping systems operational, fortifying networks and upholding regulatory compliance.
    Dara Warn, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Press the mixture into the bottom and about 1-inch up the sides of the prepared pan.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
  • Pour batter into prepared baking pan, and spread into an even layer.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Suzie Whitelaw, founder of Save Our Beaches San Clemente, was glad to hear the two-year study was back on track, after emergency work needs slowed progress.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • In that moment, Lindsey recalls being surrounded by loved ones, and glad to know what happened to her little girl.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 13 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Ready.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ready. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.

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