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
Each one is golden, tender, and ready for any holiday table. Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025 But Samsung says this time is different, and that folding phones are finally ready to go mainstream, especially with respect to durability. Kif Leswing, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
Donald Trump is readying an executive order that could set the White House on another collision course with Los Angeles officials. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2025 Meanwhile, Brookside is readying for the opening of Muy Caliente Mexican Grill, a restaurant taking over the old Brady & Fox spot at 751 E. 63rd St. Salvatore’s other spot, Providence Pizza, opened in Grandview in 2014 at 12925 U.S. Highway 71. Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 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
  • Creative spirit, talent and timely cultural relevance can’t be replaced by AI, but creatives must be willing to explore AI as an important tool that can maximize their work through refinement and customization.
    Emily Ketchen, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The Trump Administration should be ready to cut off that avenue, and be willing to suspend any sanction only in stages, tied to compliance with a ceasefire, troop withdrawals, and the terms of a final agreement.
    Miriam Sapiro, Time, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • However, one quick two-handed push off by No. 5 sent Morris earthbound as the coach quickly became London’s next victim.
    Hailey Hurst, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Isak himself stressed his happiness in the spring and featured in club kit promotions, hardly the actions of someone desperate for a quick exit.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • These were not easy years for anyone, and at my lowest moments I was buoyed by my Hermione Lee story and kept going.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Born Sheila Jeanette Dawson in Detroit in 1928, by her own account, Jordan did not have an easy childhood.
    Andrew Flanagan, Variety, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Build Career Advisors and Internal Learning Paths Create roles or programs that help employees explore new functions, assess transferable skills and prepare for moves.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • In addition, The Batman II (2027) is preparing to begin shooting next spring, among several other projects in development.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • These five startups represent a growing movement to fortify human and ecological systems against climate volatility.
    Marianne Lehnis, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Many brands fortify soy milk with additional vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and B12, to boost its nutritional value.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • For instance, the English psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott talked about shame as the pain of having one’s true self exposed in ways that one isn’t prepared for.
    Michael S. Roth, Time, 6 Aug. 2025
  • In the company’s earnings release and in prepared remarks on a subsequent conference call with investors, Thomson noted the irony of Trump as an IP holder being victimized by AI.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Manager Will Venable was glad to continue writing Robert’s name in the Sox lineup.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2025
  • And the entire game turning into an arduous light level slog, light level being something that most players were glad to see almost entirely left behind the last few years, is exhausting.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Ready.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ready. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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