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 On Wednesday June 5, cameras will begin rolling on Private Eyes West Coast, the light crime drama for Global that reunites Priestley and Sampson as quick-witted sleuths Matt Shade and Angie Everett from the original Private Eyes in a new Canadian West Coast location. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 May 2025 Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, Gilmore Girls The coolest mother and daughter in Stars Hollow have become a streaming mainstay thanks to their quick-witted banter — and early-aughts New England style. Lindy Segal, People.com, 29 May 2025 The sign is a ride-or-die pal, clever, quick-witted, and accepting. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 16 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for quick-witted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick-witted
Adjective
  • This demographic is intelligent, tech-savvy and often more financially empowered than younger consumers.
    Lara Devgan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Maresca would be sensible to look at the way Brighton utilise their wingers with intelligent out-to-in runs from the touchline, exploiting spaces in behind when the likes of Joao Pedro pull opposition defensive lines out of shape.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Light, clever, and just leftfield enough to feel like a proper find.
    Lela London, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Dubno’s novel sounds equally thoughtful and nasty, clever and juicy and full of great drama.
    Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • More recently, the focus was on modernizing its assortment for growing areas like smart home products.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
  • The lead character is the prince, who doesn’t want to be on the throne and is not really that smart.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 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
  • The app features guest mode sessions that disappear after use as well as a hidden exit button for quick redirection if an abuser walks into the room.
    Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 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
  • The growing number of robots in its warehouses is yet more evidence of this brilliant truth.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • My graduate school advisor, the brilliant Mary Sheriff, always insisted that scholarship had to follow the object, not the other way around.
    Libby Buck July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has publicly stated that recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes inflicted serious damage on Iran's nuclear sites, a sharp contrast to the downplaying by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and one early U.S. intelligence assessment that was leaked to media.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • It’s measured in sharper thinking, richer conversations, and better decisions.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 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 11 Jul. 2025.

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