prompt 1 of 3

Definition of promptnext
1
2

prompt

2 of 3

adjective

prompt

3 of 3

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective prompt contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prompt are apt, quick, and ready. While all these words mean "able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability," prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response.

prompt emergency medical care

When is apt a more appropriate choice than prompt?

The meanings of apt and prompt 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

In what contexts can quick take the place of prompt?

Although the words quick and prompt have much in common, quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power.

quick reflexes
a keen quick mind

Where would ready be a reasonable alternative to prompt?

The words ready and prompt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ready suggests facility or fluency in response.

backed by a pair of ready assistants

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 prompt
Verb
After the reporter posed the question, another member of the audience started yelling, prompting confusion from Tatum. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026 But the placement of the banner at the DOJ has only prompted further concerns. Tiago Ventura, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
This may appeal to taxpayers who want prompt feedback and direction when dealing with tax debt. Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026 These clots can be life-threatening and cause as many as 100,000 deaths each year, but prompt diagnosis and treatment greatly improve survival. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
The 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds—is a useful prompt. Chloe Burcham, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026 Soon after Franyelis met with the lawyer, Yonquenide again called her from detention – a routine call, like from a parent away on a business trip but for the recorded voice stating the name of the detention center and the detainee and a prompt to press #1 to accept the call. Maeva Bambuck, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prompt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prompt
Verb
  • His death was ruled a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the torso.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Gravel pathways and a few unavoidable stairs here and there shouldn’t cause significant issues for travelers unreliant on walking aids.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The Sierra Avalanche Center reports high avalanche risk through at least this morning, urging people to avoid travel in or below avalanche terrain.
    James Ward, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The Pima County sheriff took the unusual step of publicly clearing the family as suspects, urging the public to show compassion toward the victims.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The union is seeking an immediate 16% raise for new teachers, an across-the-board 3% raise in the contract’s second year and significant automatic pay hikes tied to years of experience and continued education.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door for families (two adults and immediate children), $13 presale and $15 at the door for teens and adults, $8 presale and $10 at the door for children (ages 7 to 12) and free for children 6 and under.
    Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • First, in-house manufacturing meant that its product development process took around 18 months, while competitors using third-party manufacturers could move at a much quicker pace.
    Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 17 Feb. 2026
  • In fact, one of the couples who were engaged had their pod love story mostly shown as a quick montage of conversations before they got engaged.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Her elegant collaboration was a reminder that the world has long created the kinds of crises that threaten our stability today, and a good artist finds a way to make work that shows us a way through it, even if the answer is as simple as making something beautiful.
    Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Grand, crumbling ruins stand as a striking reminder that Oualidia was once a favorite place of the nation’s last Sultan, and the legacy of his beloved royal beach lingers.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Hotelier Jack Parker acquired the property two decades ago, bringing in Adler to create the Parker’s signature style that remains today.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
  • In theory, energetic particles pass through such thin sheets without creating the kinds of defects that typically cripple conventional silicon chips.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • There are more than 150 miles of tunnels across nine underground levels, and guests are encouraged to lick the walls.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Virgo The Saturn-Neptune conjunction occurs in your eighth house of intimacy, intimate bonds, and shared resources, encouraging you to grapple with boundaries and limitations tied to your closest relationships.
    Maressa Brown, InStyle, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Several high-profile individuals who have appeared in the files have faced swift public rebuke for maintaining personal and business relationships with Epstein for years after he was convicted in 2008 on two state prostitution charges.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The commercial was met with swift backlash from viewers, some of whom compared the feature to spyware or questioned its legality.
    Mason Leib, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prompt. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on prompt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!