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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
Before he is hauled off to prison for good, Joe attempts one last lunge toward Bronte, prompting her to shoot him … in the genitals. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025 Eva clocks their conversation as extremely paranoid, and Kyle's attempt at smoothing things over with David only prompts David to start up all over again. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Customers can order in-stock models like the A1 Pro and expect prompt delivery. Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025 Getting prompt treatment can ease your recovery and help prevent complications. Cheyenne Buckingham, SELF, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
But that level of precision can come at the cost of large memory footprints (in the hundreds of gigabytes for the largest models) and significant processing resources needed for the complex matrix multiplication used when responding to prompts. ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025 Upload the reference photo and enter the following prompt. Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prompt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prompt
Verb
  • Market selloffs cause many higher-income Americans whose net worth is significantly lower to reduce their spending.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • For decades, scientists argued that rising carbon levels would cause an increasingly unstable ecosystem, but most people got only the game-of-telephone version.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Police spokesperson Rob Shaw told WFTS that authorities are urging any witnesses with information about the crash to come forward.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Commissioner Cox urged any witnesses of the crash to contact the Boston Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hugo used the firm’s unique approach to implement immediate ROI and expand AI implementation organically for their clients.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The Trump administration has made a new emergency request of the U.S. Supreme Court seeking an immediate stay of a nationwide injunction blocking the ban on openly transgender military service members.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ivanka posted a video and pictures to her social media platforms on Monday following the celebration, during which Theo and Barkley had a quick game of catch while running around the area.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Keep them in your personal item bag for a quick touch-up mid-flight.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • True Engagement At Work Starts With Curiosity The latest Gallup numbers are a reminder that employees want to feel challenged, supported, and connected to something that matters.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • His journey is a reminder that sometimes the most deserving companions just need someone willing to look past the bars.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Trump 100 days: Former president's success created measuring stick for future leaders Poll: Trump loses trust on the economy as 100-day mark nears From Trump to Reagan: Their first 100 days Trump promised to improve the economy on Day 1.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • For the annual event, her millinery goes through about 700 yards of silk and, like White’s design, can create hats with 50 or more petal pieces that are hand sewn together.
    Morgan Evans, Vogue, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • To achieve those, leaders should consider creating cultures that encourage workers to take breaks, set boundaries, and focus their energies on outcomes.
    Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • In a key way, the American health system encourages it.
    Rebecca T Brown, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The truth is no one should be surprised by the swift start.
    Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Trump's March executive order overhauling how U.S. elections are run prompted swift lawsuits from the League of United Latin American Citizens, the League of Women Voters Education Fund, the Democratic National Committee and others, who called it unconstitutional.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prompt. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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