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 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 This inspiring, coming-of-age drama is the story of Melody Brooks, a quick-witted, non-verbal sixth grader with cerebral palsy who uses a wheelchair. Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for quick-witted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick-witted
Adjective
  • Second, a human must be kept in the loop of intelligent machine decision-making processes.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • In 1950 the Italian physicist Enrico Fermi was discussing the possibility of intelligent alien life with his colleagues.
    Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • The 76 gasoline brand, after all, evokes the patriotism of 1776 — a clever marketing ploy.
    Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • Charlie Davis Season: 46 Placed: 2nd If Q was the hurricane blowing through Survivor 46, Davis was a source of calm geniality at the center, constantly quoting Taylor Swift songs while obscuring his careful, clever gameplay.
    Ben Rosenstock, Time, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • With the longer battery life, lighter design and smart safety features, this jetpack is definitely for anyone looking to make their underwater adventures more exciting.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
  • Moreover, waving the flag of a foreign country isn’t prideful, or politically smart in the least.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • No matter how small your business, here is a quick blueprint for strengthening your defense against common cyber threats: Start with the basics.
    Harry Kazakian, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • The original rat killer Published April 25, 2007 With one quick flick of his wrist, Scott Mellanby felled a rodent and became part of South Florida sports lore.
    Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Of course, it’s not wrapped in just any tortilla, this one is extra special as it’s inspired by the fast food giant’s famous biscuits.
    Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) (a condition with lightheadedness and a fast heart rate when changing to a standing position) Types of Migraine The two main types of migraine are:4 Migraine without aura.
    Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Every sports league is better with a bad guy, and Reese subtly demeaning Clark is a brilliant marketing ploy.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2025
  • Herbert works hard and plays hard — especially when his kids are out of town at camp, like Capricorns do, with his beautiful and brilliant wife, Lisa, by his side.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Yet in March 2024, despite a sharp rise in antisemitic attacks, the program’s budget was cut by $30.5 million, dropping from $305 million to $274.5 million.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2025
  • President Donald Trump’s turbulent tariff policy is projected to cause a sharper slowdown in economic growth in the United States and around the world than previously expected, the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) found in a Tuesday report.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 3 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 12 Jun. 2025.

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