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

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

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 derailment prompted the CTA to suspend service on the entire Yellow and Purple lines, and part of the Red Line. Todd Feurer, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 The duo had jump-started the AI-for-Erdős craze late last year by prompting a free version of ChatGPT with open problems chosen at random from the Erdős problems website. Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
From Prompts to Agentic Workflows AI, as most people understand it, is a single exchange—prompt in, answer out. Anita Beveridge-Raffo, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026 The platform allows users to enter one prompt and view responses from multiple AI models side by side. Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
For the 22-year-old Tong, the prompt was an opportunity to have some fun. Abbey Mastracco, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026 Young played a podcast on the allegations and gave students a prompt. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prompt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prompt
Verb
  • His quick steps can cause tackles to lose their balance, and his burst to turn pressures into sacks is tremendous.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
  • At the same time, what is happening right now should not undermine confidence in hospice care or cause patients and families in California and across the country to hesitate when considering it.
    Tom Koutsoumpas, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The two seem poles apart philosophically — when Cherki assisted Foden with a rabona earlier in the season, Guardiola urged him to learn from Lionel Messi’s ‘simplicity’.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Before the unanimous vote to defer the interim agreement decision, commissioners heard from dozens of residents and representatives from local civic associations who urged them to reconsider.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Not everything needs an immediate answer.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • There was no immediate word on the identities of the perpetrator or the identify of the person who died.
    Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Moon’s square to Mars can bring quick irritation or pressure to act too fast, especially in conversations.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The 35-year-old striker has not normally started two games in quick succession this season.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That air purifier is still on, every filter change a reminder that nothing about the device, designed to keep me safe, is recyclable.
    Abigail Stone, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The half-dozen screens punctuating the show with this gesture offer potent and campy but all-too-serious reminders that anger and nostalgia for a world of white supremacy are not dead.
    Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • August 23 – September 22 A smart adjustment today creates more momentum than effort.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The barbs that President Barack Obama and Seth Meyers hurled at him created a political narrative that persists.
    Elahe Izadi, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, today Uranus enters a part of your chart to stay for six years, encouraging impulsive vacations, surprising romance and unexpected children.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The authors stress the need for a robust public domain for information and for IP to be fairly applied alongside the public domain in order to encourage economic growth and innovation.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • These swift moves from Magyar reflect his promise to sweep away the corruption, cronyism and Kremlin allyship that European officials and watchdogs say plagued Orbán's Hungary.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026
  • International leaders have encouraged a departure from conflict in the region and a swift solution for the strait’s reopening.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prompt. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on prompt

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster