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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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 The musician, who rose to fame on the arm of quick-witted bars, released back-to-back flute albums in 2023, surprising fans and critics alike who were impressed by his skills as a flautist. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 7 May 2025 From there, a cast of charming characters come through including his honey-toting father, quick-witted uncle, and a rollicking cast that includes Deidrich Bader, David Krumholtz, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Juicy J, Phil Lamarr, Kevin Smith, Martin Starr, Tony Revolori, and more. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 3 May 2025 This coming-of-age drama is the story of Melody Brooks, a quick-witted, non-verbal sixth grader with cerebral palsy who uses a wheelchair. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 1 May 2025 The vocalist whose acerbic, quick-witted persona on X has become one of his calling cards was at it again a few weeks ago when asked which act will open up his and brother Noel Gallagher’s shows in South America in November. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for quick-witted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick-witted
Adjective
  • Lucy’s colleagues refer to men like him—tall, handsome, in finance, intelligent, urbane—as unicorns.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
  • Celebrate intelligent risk-taking, not just polished outcomes.
    Bill Fischer, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even the cleverest plans leave room for a little improvisation.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • Part of the demand is perhaps driven by a clever sales tactic.
    Annette Choi, CNN Money, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Right now, Meta pretty much owns the smart glasses space and these specs could help cement that leadership.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • He’s evaluated everything from TVs and soundbars to smart gadgets and wearables, ...
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Each report will include information on small-, medium-, and heavy-lift rockets, as well as a quick look ahead at the next three launches on the calendar.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025
  • By 1977, the Trans Am’s power had diminished significantly compared to vehicles from the high-output era that came to a quick close following the 1973 oil crisis, one that took the wind out of performance.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, President Donald Trump's new aim at Federal Reserve Chairman Powell may also accelerate bets for faster rate cuts.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • California’s budget is not limitless, and a good program should not be measured by how fast it’s depleted.
    Roger Niello, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • However, the 29-year-old righty has been brilliant at Triple-A this season, going 7-0 with a 0.90 ERA over 50 innings (11 games, 9 starts).
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025
  • The fit is brilliant, and the Rockets don’t really lose any of their depth or identity with it.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • That’s how North Beach, the Miami Beach neighborhood that stands in sharp contrast to oft-electric South Beach, was usually described.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Its exterior is an awkward mashup of new and old ideas—the sharp roofline and giant windscreen give off the impression the car has been crushed—though its dual-color paint job and full-width headlights really work.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 27 June 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 30 Jun. 2025.

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