as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind the quick-witted child easily figured out the trick to making the toy work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word quick-witted distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of quick-witted are alert, clever, and intelligent. While all these words mean "mentally keen or quick," quick-witted implies promptness in finding answers in debate or in devising expedients in moments of danger or challenge.

no match for his quick-witted opponent

When is alert a more appropriate choice than quick-witted?

Although the words alert and quick-witted have much in common, alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding.

alert to new technology

When is it sensible to use clever instead of quick-witted?

While the synonyms clever and quick-witted are close in meaning, clever implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities.

clever with words

Where would intelligent be a reasonable alternative to quick-witted?

The synonyms intelligent and quick-witted are sometimes interchangeable, but intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems.

an intelligent person could assemble it fast

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-witted As a student of astrology and as a Gemini sun—curious, quick-witted, charming with a penchant for dialectical analysis—who better to engage in this purely scientific endeavor? Maya Layne, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2025 The airline often shares puns and quick-witted replies on its X account. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 The best way to describe the bag is by characterizing your quick-witted, polished, and Post-it-note-loving older sister. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025 The living twin, who describes himself as not the most quick-witted or ambitious person, couldn’t always relate to his brother. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quick-witted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick-witted
Adjective
  • Yes, Love Hotel might be Bravo’s most emotionally intelligent experiment yet.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Talos, Pandora and other artificially intelligent entities had already set the stage for humans to explore this idea.
    Sofia Giannuzzi, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The clever exploration of contrasts — marrying delicate fabrics, soft palettes, and masculine silhouettes — was the label’s unique formula for winning over fashion’s insiders, including powerhouse Moda Operandi.
    Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The film follows 11-year-old Caroline (Johnson), a clever, sharp-eyed girl navigating a life of excitement and peril as a shoplifter with her mom Jocelyn (Williams).
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Even smart bulbs and other kinds of smart lighting often require less power than traditional lights.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • An increasing number of smart, eco-conscious entrepreneurs are putting Earth first by utilizing unwanted materials that would otherwise end up as trash.
    Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 22 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
  • After launching a quick break, Thuram played an intelligent backheel from the middle of the box into the path of Martinez, who finished with the outside of his boot, in what was a real contender for goal of the competition.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Wesley Watson, 84, was killed in a three-car crash near a fast food restaurant in Concord, a little before 6 p.m. on Aug. 18, 2022.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
  • There are two drying modes on offer: fast and quiet.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Part of the United States’ brilliant nineteenth-century strategy was also its superlative domestic economic policy, combining Low Taxes with a very business-friendly regulatory framework.
    Nathan Lewis, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Through costume design, along with her brilliant acting, the audience gets to know who Emilia is at the core.
    Aleah Wright, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The aviation industry expects the exemption to help companies keep costs down during a sharp pullback in travel spending by consumers worried about slower economic growth and higher inflation.
    Rajesh Kumar Singh, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Once seen as a wild card with surprising appeal among disillusioned young voters, President Donald Trump is now facing a sharp decline in support from Generation Z, according to new polling.
    Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quick-witted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick-witted. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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