prompt 1 of 3

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
Each participant had 20 minutes to write an essay from one of three prompts taken from SAT tests, the study states. Greta Cross, USA Today, 21 June 2025 It was not lost on us that the most searched for Dr. Seuss prompt on YouTube is book readings. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 June 2025
Adjective
The previous find on the river, confirmed to be a extensive and remarkably well preserved remnants of what had been a large Tequesta town spanning both banks of the river, prompted a heated and lengthy showdown between the preservation board and Related. Andres Viglucci july 4, Miami Herald, 4 July 2025 Any additional rain will likely further worsen ongoing flooding issues and could prompt new areas of dangerous flooding. Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
Noun
Even among those that did prompt outside help, a third of all the calls had vague or nonexistent descriptions, with details often withheld by authorities. Dhruv Mehrotra, Wired News, 25 June 2025 However, the call was prompt and helpful, and we weren't pushed into making additional purchases. PC Magazine, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for prompt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prompt
Verb
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025
  • They had been expected to argue that severe mental disease or defect caused Purdy not to comprehend that his conduct was wrong.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Then comes a video of Sam Smith as a toddler being urged to kick a ball in the hallway of the family home, followed straight after by the striker’s acrobatic finish to put Wrexham 2-0 up just three minutes on from Rathbone’s opener.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • In December, the libertarian Cato Institute published an article urging Trump to privatize the system.
    Joe Hernandez, NPR, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Neither the oils nor systemic insecticides give immediate control of adult whiteflies.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
  • Business Investment Gets Turbocharged Unlimited bonus depreciation remains intact, allowing immediate expensing of qualifying equipment and improvements.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Your tongue may be quick to lash out under the Leo moon.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • The app features guest mode sessions that disappear after use as well as a hidden exit button for quick redirection if an abuser walks into the room.
    Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Lake County’s tree will serve as a reminder of the nation’s Founding Fathers and inspiration to future generations.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025
  • The city sent four email reminders and four invoices to the team.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • This card asks you to retreat, reflect, and create space for healing.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • Patil and Lindell are now working to create probiotic supplements to increase the amount of the beneficial microbes in people's guts to help protect against harms from PFAS.
    Pilar Arias, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Popular online influencers with millions of followers have encouraged Holocaust denial.
    Tom Dreisbach, NPR, 30 June 2025
  • The return of blue-book exams might disadvantage students who were encouraged to master typing at a young age.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Smith’s swift ascent has exceeded the already enormous expectations Houston had for him.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The Nets’ final move of the 2025 NBA Draft was a swift Day 2 trade.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prompt. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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!