quick 1 of 3

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2
as in fast
having or showing quickness of mind a quick lad, he immediately caught on to how the machinery operated

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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quick

2 of 3

adverb

quick

3 of 3

noun

as in heart
the seat of one's deepest thoughts and emotions that nasty comment cut me to the quick

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective quick contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of quick are apt, prompt, and ready. While all these words mean "able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability," quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power.

quick reflexes
a keen quick mind

When is apt a more appropriate choice than quick?

The words apt and quick can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Where would prompt be a reasonable alternative to quick?

While the synonyms prompt and quick are close in meaning, prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response.

prompt emergency medical care

When is it sensible to use ready instead of quick?

The meanings of ready and quick largely overlap; however, 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 quick
Adjective
Messi is still quick, not as quick as before, but enough to gain advantages in possession. Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 14 June 2025 In the 10-second snippet, Wahlberg gives a quick intro to the spinoff. Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 14 June 2025
Adverb
Steele noted his range of motion has come back quicker than post-surgery eight years ago. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 Per Deadline Hollywood, which first reported the cancellation, viewership for season 3 was still solid but the show slipped out of Nielsen's Top 10 Originals chart quicker than its predecessors, and the decision to cancel ultimately came down to the show's hefty price tag. EW.com, 23 May 2025
Noun
But a turnaround that quick will cost you: the service is $400 for GenVisa and $799 for FastPort, and that’s not including any government fees. Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2022 Down by 7 with 4:30 to go in the third quarter, Brady delivered a quick out to Edelman, who then connected with Danny Amendola for the 51-yard touchdown pass. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Dec. 2021 See All Example Sentences for quick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick
Adjective
  • The series’ breakout success last year earned it a swift second-season renewal, with production already underway.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 15 June 2025
  • First responders successfully completed 19 swift water rescues, according to Morrisey.
    CBS News, CBS News, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • On Friday, Verstappen was the fastest driver in FP1.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
  • Taco Bell joins 2025 chicken wrap battle The addition of the Crispy Chicken Tacos and Burritos to Taco Bell's menu comes as various chains compete in what appears to be a fast food chicken wrap battle.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Last year, there were 34 incidents of rapid intensification -- when a storm gains at least 35 mph in 24 hours -- which is about twice the average and causes forecasting problems, according to the hurricane center.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025
  • New Mexico's Governor Responds A federal emergency declaration was issued by New Mexico's governor on June 17 in response to the Trout Fire's rapid advance.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • To guide those keen to experience the healing power of the sea, all-inclusive holiday experts at Travel Republic have analyzed data to reveal the saltiest seas–and therefore the best for ocean therapy.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • In this wider advice industry, opinion circulates between and in front of strangers, who become keen observers of others’ shocking revelations.
    Merve Emre, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • So many firsts, gone, charred to ash, just remnants of an area that once represented Black prosperity and joy.
    Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The original pioneers were mostly busy making non-hyperpop or gone: SOPHIE tragically died in 2021; 100 gecs spent years toiling to make their zany stadium-rock second album.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Roth went right for Rubin’s heart, invoking the Paul Skenes Topps MLB Debut Patch autographed one-of-one card that famously sold for $1.11 million to Dick’s Sporting Goods in March.
    Larry Holder, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • Rather than solely leaning on designing for moneyed families and those with means to drop thousands on new pieces each season, the designer opts to create from his heart.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • That takes us to the flip side of this trade: If Bane is so good, why was Memphis willing to move on from him?
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • Takeaway: The companies leading Latin America's transformation are those whose leaders are willing to break the rules to rewrite the game—and inspire others to follow.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even the cleverest plans leave room for a little improvisation.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • This clever deck box works overtime as a bench for additional seating.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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