quick 1 of 3

1
2
as in fast
having or showing quickness of mind a quick lad, he immediately caught on to how the machinery operated

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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quick

2 of 3

adverb

quick

3 of 3

noun

as in heart
the seat of one's deepest thoughts and emotions that nasty comment cut me to the quick

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective quick contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of quick are apt, prompt, and ready. While all these words mean "able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability," quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power.

quick reflexes
a keen quick mind

When is apt a more appropriate choice than quick?

The words apt and quick can be used in similar contexts, but apt stresses the possession of qualities (such as intelligence, a particular talent, or a strong bent) that makes quick effective response possible.

an apt student
her answer was apt and to the point

Where would prompt be a reasonable alternative to quick?

While the synonyms prompt and quick are close in meaning, prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response.

prompt emergency medical care

When is it sensible to use ready instead of quick?

The meanings of ready and quick largely overlap; however, ready suggests facility or fluency in response.

backed by a pair of ready assistants

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
Adjective
In recent years, partly due to social media, where content tagged #ADHD has hundreds of millions of views, more women are being diagnosed in their own right, though experts caution against using social media or any sort of quick questionnaire to diagnose oneself. Daliah Singer, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2025 The app connects easily and made a quick, accurate map of my children’s bedrooms and bathroom. Simon Hill, Wired News, 9 July 2025
Adverb
So being able to channel that going forward, he’s got some of that Cam Spencer crazy competitiveness, he’s got to learn to channel it like Cam, go from cursing and slamming the ball to getting back on task quicker. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2025 The air rotor creates a powerful swirl of air, while the cylinder body design means that air flows more efficiently for quicker drying and sterilization. Olivia Campbell, Parents, 24 June 2025
Noun
But a turnaround that quick will cost you: the service is $400 for GenVisa and $799 for FastPort, and that’s not including any government fees. Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2022 Down by 7 with 4:30 to go in the third quarter, Brady delivered a quick out to Edelman, who then connected with Danny Amendola for the 51-yard touchdown pass. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Dec. 2021 See All Example Sentences for quick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick
Adjective
  • The internet, never one to wait for context, responded with swift certainty, and social feeds lit up with familiar refrains: Hill was late again.
    Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • The decision was met by swift condemnation and a legal challenge from San Francisco International Airport officials and its legal team which argued the new name would confuse travelers and was a copyright infringement.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • If you're not already enrolled, sign up for a free 30-day trial to enjoy exclusive deals, fast and free shipping, and more.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 9 July 2025
  • There's no denying annual smartphone releases have settled into a routine—flat glass slabs with slightly faster processors and better cameras.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • But without affordable renewables (or rapid breakthroughs in nuclear fusion) the electricity to feed all those AI data centers may not arrive in time.
    Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Stay open to rapid communication, travel opportunities, or passionate connections.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Shi is particularly keen to dive deeply into conversation with Benioff on precisely these points.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Motherwell finished third in the Scottish Premier League that season, behind Celtic and Rangers, and while McGhee was keen not to lean too much on a ‘do it for Phil’ message, that clearly hung over the squad for the whole season.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • So many firsts, gone, charred to ash, just remnants of an area that once represented Black prosperity and joy.
    Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The original pioneers were mostly busy making non-hyperpop or gone: SOPHIE tragically died in 2021; 100 gecs spent years toiling to make their zany stadium-rock second album.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Brands should take the importance of sustainability measures to heart and weave their commitment to the environment into their messaging—but with care.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • All three forms—fiction, poetry, and essay—feel present in this sweeping reflection from a troubled heart.
    Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • After having little luck finding a traditional TV outlet willing to double ESPN/ABC’s current $90 million/year deal, F1 seems to have found deliverance by way of its theatrical partner.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 July 2025
  • As Tolbert said, fit is less important than joining a club that’s willing to develop and guide the player down his own path.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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