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Definition of promptnext
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prompt

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adjective

prompt

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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
The jury in Harvey Weinstein‘s rape trial in New York has deadlocked, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 May 2026 The device was discovered Wednesday by divers surveying the Converse Reservoir dam in Mobile County for routine repair and maintenance, prompting a notification to the sheriff’s office and a multi-agency response, including the FBI, according to the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS). Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Adjective
When to Seek Medical Help While mild symptoms like diarrhea are common with excess magnesium, some signs require prompt medical attention. Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 7 May 2026 That means clear expectations, prompt action when problems arise and support that helps schools fix problems before students are harmed. Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Noun
The instructor will start off by giving attendees a prompt to spark creativity along with stress-reducing breathing exercises. Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026 Start coding work remotely Dispatch can route development tasks differently from knowledge work tasks, meaning a mobile prompt can kick off or continue coding. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prompt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prompt
Verb
  • On the topic, Becerra noted that the state should work with an AI company to ensure that data centers stay in California and operate in a manner that benefits residents rather than causing issues similar to other states.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), staph bacteria are commonly found on the skin or in the noses of many people and often do not cause problems.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Citing statements from jurors and a county clerk who aided Hill, Murdaugh's lawyers say Hill urged jurors not to be confused by Murdaugh's defense tactics and to watch his body language — and that she was motivated by plans to publish a book about the case.
    Bill Chappell, NPR, 13 May 2026
  • Cfoto | Future Publishing | Getty Images India, the world's second-largest gold consumer, has raised import duties on gold and silver to 15% from 6%, just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to curb bullion purchases for a year as overseas purchases pressure the rupee.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • That means addressing immediate needs like shelter, and long-term needs such as affordable housing, mental health and workforce development.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2026
  • Still, Chad and Lori had an immediate attraction to each other and began having an affair.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • When the puck finally dropped on the fifth and deciding game of the semifinal series, Minnesota came out flying with yet another quick start, pinning Montreal into its own zone for most of the opening 10 minutes.
    Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • Both audiences and platforms are quick to reject content that feels like advertising.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Even though the major indices recovered mostly by the close, the intraday damage in semis, small caps, and long-duration growth stocks was a reminder of how quickly a narrow, crowded market can unwind when investors head for the exit.
    Tony Zhang, CNBC, 13 May 2026
  • In a world living in the shadow of the mushroom cloud, the vault was a grim reminder that after nearly two hundred years, the American experiment needed to be defended.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Wilson worked alongside stylist Alexandra Mandelkorn and the Oscar de la Renta team to create a custom gown featuring tiny Japanese cherry blossoms around the neckline and scattered throughout the design, according to Vogue.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • On the planet, the Mandalorians encounter Gideon, who is revealed to have created clones of himself.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Responding to comments, asking for feedback, and giving shout-outs to active viewers fosters a sense of community and encourages continued engagement.
    Adam Rumanek, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2026
  • Techniques such as reinforcement learning from human feedback encourage the model toward preferred responses.
    Sandeep Shilawat, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Its evolution into a mainstream proposition and a legal necessity has been swift and remarkable.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • The group highlighted the swift and professional actions of the pilots and firefighter first responders, noting that their efforts helped prevent the fire from spreading and ensured that all passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prompt. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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