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Each of them was based on an agreement that McVeigh's comments would not be published until the defense decided when, or if, their client was ready to tell his story publicly. Kevin Johnson, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025 But Astoria isn’t ready to give up the hunt just yet. Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
Patti Smith is readying the release of a new memoir, with Bread of Angels set to arrive in November. Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025 Villa Aurora was readying for the 30th anniversary of its residency program. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 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
  • While left wing-back Federico Dimarco provided a useful short out-ball during the Italian side’s build-up, right wing-back Denzel Dumfries was much more available and willing to make runs in behind — where long diagonal balls into the Netherlands international caused chaos.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 11 May 2025
  • Pete’s Payday Alonso, 30, had hoped for a larger and longer payday last winter but watched his hopes dwindle in a market saturated with first basemen willing to accept less.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Timberwolves coach Chris Finch gave Randle a quick hook, sending the forward to the bench for the next two minutes of action, much to Randle’s dismay — which was evident in the veteran’s body language.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 10 May 2025
  • The bear blew past him half a stride, dug its front claws in the dirt, then spun a quick 180 and lunged at Bentzel.
    Benjamin Alva Polley, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • This no-fuss funny money makes the card’s annual fee easier to stomach.
    Chris Dong, Saveur, 8 May 2025
  • Naturally, companies with regular positive cash flow, low debt utilization, and low debt-to-income ratios will have an easier time borrowing – even at relatively higher interest rates – than companies that are financially struggling.
    Rohit Arora, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Currently, the world’s cardinals are preparing for the papal conclave this Wednesday, hosting general congregations ahead of the Vatican event that will see the Sistine Chapel’s ceremonial chimney eventually release white smoke in celebration of the election of the 267th pope.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 4 May 2025
  • Workers have been preparing for the meeting of cardinals, set to begin May 7, which will end with the election of a new pope.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • Reinvent continuously: Change is the one constant, and knowing that disruption remains at an all-time high, leaders must be able to navigate these changes and fortify their enterprise resilience on an ongoing basis—for both the short- and long-term.
    Muqsit Ashraf, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Georgia’s roster is now fortified for another national championship run, with things seeming to depend on two spots: starting quarterback Gunner Stockton and a young offensive line.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Graduates either leave certified to work in their field of study or are better prepared to attend a four-year university.
    Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2025
  • Democrats are prepared to assail Trump’s budget as further evidence that the Republican administration is intent on gutting government programs that Americans depend on.
    Lisa Mascaro and Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • The industry is surely glad to hear that the FDA, at least right now, is not implementing a ban for common dyes such as Yellow 5.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2025
  • While glad for not having off-the-field troubles as a young player, Kelce shared a piece of advice for young players: Find a life balance.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Ready.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ready. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

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