quick 1 of 3

Definition of quicknext
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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

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adverb

quick

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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

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

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
Wrobleski made quick work of the rest. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026 Shifting norms Increasingly, though, people are turning to chatbots for quick, easy support. Oluwaseun Damilola Sanwoolu, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
Adverb
Keep feet cozy and warm with plush slippers, cozy pajama sets, quick dry towels, velvet hair bows and more. Tory Johnson, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026 Recent advances in textiles have brought many quick-drying outdoor rugs to market. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
The left-arm quick picked up the invaluable wicket of Virat Kohli, widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in history, who went out facing his first ball, and then Netravalkar got the wicket of India captain Rohit Sharma. Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 12 June 2024 Stress hormones flood your system, making your heart pound, your blood pressure rise, your breath quicks, your thoughts race…and none of it is super conducive to feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Anna Borges, SELF, 21 Dec. 2023 See All Example Sentences for quick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick
Adjective
  • These swift moves from Magyar reflect his promise to sweep away the corruption, cronyism and Kremlin allyship that European officials and watchdogs say plagued Orbán's Hungary.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026
  • International leaders have encouraged a departure from conflict in the region and a swift solution for the strait’s reopening.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This desktop app provides a faster way to access Lens than opening your browser, and Google's marketing materials show the tool proving useful for someone identifying a piece of classic artwork in a PDF.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Atmos says the rise reflects better detection and faster repairs, not worsening conditions.
    Lexi Salazar, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Private credit's rapid rise has been key to global dealmaking for more than a decade.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Our survey of Americans ages 18-29 allows for a closer look at the sentiments of young adults at a moment of rapid technological advancement and geopolitical change.
    Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But the royal gown that the Queen wore in Pakistan is a vivid example of the kind of soft power that can be exerted by a head of state who is otherwise without executive or legislative potency, especially one who takes a keen interest in international affairs, as Elizabeth II clearly did.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
  • States keeping an eye on their budgets aren't keen to give up revenue to help passersby and commercial drivers.
    Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Room by room, the author takes us through the house, now long gone.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Retaining Hall, 39, keeps one familiar face from Dart’s rookie year on the offensive side of the building for his second NFL season, with Brian Daboll, Mike Kafka and Shea Tierney all long gone.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • The game’s objective is to group words or objects into four groups of four based on commonalities within each group as quickly as possible.
    Mark Cooper, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Before dismissing this activity or just trying to get through it, recognize your tendency to view nearly everything as a situation from which to extricate yourself as quickly and painlessly as possible.
    Charles Yu, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Many people take cod liver oil to support the health of their bones and joints, heart, and eyes.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Chase, meanwhile, gives Melissa a winning mix of exasperation and heart, making her emotional journey feel earned even amid the absurdity.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Infrastructure investors are increasingly willing to put near-term profits as a secondary consideration to redundancy and security, Baker Hughes CEO Lorenzo Simonelli told me.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 14 Apr. 2026
  • French President Emmanuel Macron and British prime Minister Keir Starmer will co-chair a conference Friday for nations willing to deploy warships to escort oil tankers and container ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
    Munir Ahmed, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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