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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
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
But other types of pain and soreness should prompt you to take a different action, whether that’s to take a few days of recovery or seek medical treatment. Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 23 June 2025 But some fires were threatening populated areas, prompting evacuations in the Interior region. Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
Noun
If enacted, its provisions would take effect after a 90-day transition period, delivering prompt changes to Medicare penalty rules for eligible seniors. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025 The prompt introduction, which happened via a video call, highlights the bond Harry shared with his grandmother, which grew stronger after his mother’s tragic death in 1997. Audrey Schmidt, People.com, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for prompt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prompt
Verb
  • The system works by stopping micro-inflammation, which disrupts the hair’s growth cycle, stopping new growth in its tracks and is easily caused by hormones, stress and genetic disposition.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • In December, the libertarian Cato Institute published an article urging Trump to privatize the system.
    Joe Hernandez, NPR, 27 June 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Even in the absence of immediate retaliation, markets are likely to price in a higher geopolitical risk premium.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • By shifting production to U.S. facilities, GM avoids those costs—an immediate financial relief during a tumultuous market.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Each report will include information on small-, medium-, and heavy-lift rockets, as well as a quick look ahead at the next three launches on the calendar.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025
  • Whoever’s desk this ultimately lands on should make quick work of it; the administration will still get its claim that liberal judges are running roughshod over its policies or whatnot, but at least some separation of powers and rule of law will be preserved.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 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
  • Subscribers can stream on up to three devices simultaneously, create up to 10 profiles and save unlimited live or future shows for up to one year.
    Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
  • Rather than going for conventional boardroom-style ties, Falk is looking at creating ties from materials like lace, pearls, and leather.
    Kristopher Fraser, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • State lawmakers created the program in 2017 to encourage more publicly funded, privately run schools to open in areas where traditional public schools had been failing for years, giving students and families in those neighborhoods a way to bail out of a persistently struggling school.
    Kate Payne, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025
  • Outrage from the Sikh community, as well as a social media push calling for hate crime charges, encouraged prosecutors to take another look at the case, officials said.
    Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 18 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

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Cite this Entry

“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prompt. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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