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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
But in a time when Amazon customers can track their packages second-by-second, the inspector general warned that continued mail delays may prompt postal customers to seek alternatives, further exacerbating the financial challenges. Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 17 May 2025 The Weeknd sang, prompting thunderous applause Jimmy Fallon and The Weeknd are giving the class of 2025 a celebration to remember. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
Resuming deliveries in China now saves Boeing from the costs and complications of finding new buyers — and ensures prompt payments. Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 13 May 2025 The underlying weaknesses—based on a class of large language model attacks known as prompt injections—could be exploited by people interacting with an agent to store false memory events that never, in fact, happened. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2025
Noun
The cop tapped the screen until the security prompt appeared. Rich Cohen, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025 Robotic Arm Settings > Enable Robotic Arm, or press the button labeled Remote Control to Pick Up on the main device page, then follow the prompts. PC Magazine, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prompt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prompt
Verb
  • Rodriguez has been charged by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with the murder of foreign officials, causing death through the use of a firearm and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, the district attorney's office said.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • Sepsis is caused by an overactive immune response to infection.
    Michael L. Millenson, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Trump met personally with the GOP conference that morning, urging them to stop pushing for more changes and get behind the bill.
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Whether to get some space from his inanity, be able to spend more time with her ex-boyfriend, or simply encourage him to be a person, Tammy urges Craig to make friends with Austin (Paul Rudd), the affable evening news weatherman who moves in down the street.
    Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Videos posted to social media appear to show the mast of the ship crashing into the bridge just before 8:30 p.m., as passengers and nearby onlookers screamed, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation on the East River for the injured and overboard passengers.
    Alexandra Koch , Alexis McAdams , CB Cotton , Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2025
  • Blend Technology with the Human Touch Technology, like apps and AI, makes life more convenient for customers by allowing things like easy online scheduling or getting immediate answers from AI chatbots.
    Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Shooting victim Sarah Milgrim remembered as 'a light' who fought antisemitism Israeli Embassy shooting: See the scene Real quick All American Rejects singer explains what's up with viral pop-up shows.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • This streamlines workflows, automates tasks and leads to quicker decisions.
    Stephen Litjens, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Stay organized: Use calendars, planners, or reminder apps to help manage memory problems or mental fatigue.
    Brandi Jones, Health, 20 May 2025
  • So many nostalgic nods pulled on my heartstrings, from the return of the Paint the Night after-dark parade at Disneyland Park with reminders of the Main Street Electrical Parade to the new World of Color Happiness!
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • The proprietary process recovers up to 98 percent of critical metals while minimizing contaminants, creating a ready feedstock for downstream refiners.
    William Jones, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Texas ceramic artist Earline Green researches the Wilsons’ past while creating her own pottery to honor their legacy.
    Jacoba Urist, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • There is no fee to nominate and self-nominations are encouraged.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
  • Inner reflection is encouraged with Mercury in Gemini.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Suspect Elias Rodriguez, of Chicago, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in a swift reaction to the apparent antisemitic attack.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • This surge reflects growing investor confidence in NuScale’s distinctive position within the nuclear energy industry, propelled by rising electricity demand amid the AI boom and the swift progression of global electrification.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prompt. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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