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

3
4
5
6

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
These routines are highly edited, almost hypnotic, with quick cuts, each mini-scene overlaid with a time stamp. Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2025 However, one quick two-handed push off by No. 5 sent Morris earthbound as the coach quickly became London’s next victim. Hailey Hurst, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
This means more projects could potentially be awarded tax credit dollars quicker than ever. Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 5 July 2025 Somehow, he’s been better quicker than anyone could have imagined. Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 3 July 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
  • For instance, researchers at the National Institutes of Health were critical in developing the mRNA vaccine technology that enabled the swift creation of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines that saved millions of lives at the height of the pandemic.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Low water crossings on San Pedro Road and River Road will likely become impassible with dangerous swift flowing water.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Polar bears rely on fast ice as a platform for hunting seals.
    Cassidy Randall, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Lawmakers responded with reforms that included faster payroll tax increases, a gradual rise in the retirement age, and taxation of some Social Security benefits.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Staying hydrated is crucial in hot weather, and adding a bit of salt to water can help prevent rapid fluid loss.
    Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025
  • As the Ukraine war progresses, the U.S. government is understanding the power of rapid prototyping and experimental focus to improve and innovate on physical AI capabilities.
    Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Matt Woosnam Everton remain active in the market, and keen to strengthen on the wings in particular — so the caveat with this line-up is that things could easily change again by the end of the window.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Unmatched Sports & Recreation Facilities Active travelers keen to work up a sweat, take note: likely no other resort on the planet rivals Forte Village in terms of both sports and recreational programming and facilities.
    Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 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
  • There are people who have really their heart in the right place.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025
  • According to the grandmother, who described herself as a single mom raising two sons alone, the accident marked the second time that her grandson has been hospitalized in less than a month — adding that her heart is breaking because of the pain the boy has endured.
    David Chiu, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Creative spirit, talent and timely cultural relevance can’t be replaced by AI, but creatives must be willing to explore AI as an important tool that can maximize their work through refinement and customization.
    Emily Ketchen, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The Trump Administration should be ready to cut off that avenue, and be willing to suspend any sanction only in stages, tied to compliance with a ceasefire, troop withdrawals, and the terms of a final agreement.
    Miriam Sapiro, Time, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Later, of course, movies based on the series starring Tom Cruise became blockbusters, but were never as clever as the original television series, relying more on outlandish stunts and special effects.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Finally, her writing is a weekly source of delight—so clever, fun, informative, and uplifting.
    Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on quick

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!