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

Synonym Chooser

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
  • Halsey launched her acting career at the age of 7, playing Madeline Zott, the hyper intelligent — and wise — daughter of Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson) in Apple TV+ praised limited series Lessons In Chemistry.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 May 2025
  • The range for its forecast for its intelligent cloud segment, $28.75 billion to $29.05 billion, fully clears analyst estimates of $28.5 billion.
    BYAndrew Nusca, Fortune, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Instant Spa Shower Gift Box: $55 Turn mom’s shower into a spa-like experience with this clever gift set from UncommonGood.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025
  • Pretending to love the enemy, spurred on by her real love, the romantic plot provides the film’s clever, titillating energy.
    Paul Vidich, People.com, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Daisy Ridley's Rey is wicked smart and a capable hero in a universe with the baddies of the First Order on the warpath.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • The company says its goal is to help small teams power smarter, faster growth without technical overhead.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 4 May 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
  • Public charging: two networks are (much) better than one Public fast charging is a sore subject in the non-Tesla world.
    Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The 18-year-old produced a brilliant performance in sprint qualifying to pip both McLaren drivers to the top spot, finishing just 0.045 seconds ahead of championship leader Oscar Piastri while Lando Norris took third.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
  • Early Summer Blooming Cultivars and Hybrids Clematis lanuginosa ‘Candida’: Reaching up to 9 inches across, the brilliant, pure white flowers with yellow stamens grace the vine that grows 8 to 10 feet tall.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 May 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
  • In Chico, 90 miles north of Sacramento, the emergency room at the only hospital in town has seen a sharp increase in patients over the past decade, due in part to a lack of primary care providers in the area.
    Bernard J. Wolfson and Vanessa G. Sánchez, Los Angeles Times, 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 9 May. 2025.

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