quick 1 of 3

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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
An incoming coach or general manager would probably like the idea of a potentially quick turnaround with key pieces on defense to go along with an offense that should be trending upward. Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025 The visit was topped off with a quick jaunt into a closet to try on outfits and a surprise samba dance lesson. Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Adverb
On the other side of the World Series matchup, Bieber has returned to the elite level even quicker than Ohtani, starting two games and winning one as the Toronto Blue Jays’ snatched the ALCS from the Seattle Mariners despite only coming back to play in late August. Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025 If all of this sounds very fast, Collier initially planned to move even quicker. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 27 Oct. 2025
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
  • But their party went into swift decline during the Cold War that began in the late 1940s and barely exists today.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The campaign began with an air offensive in January 1991, followed by a swift ground assault that expelled Iraqi forces within 100 hours.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Ride-hailing revenue grew 17% year-on-year to $317 million, deliveries grew 23% to $465 million, and financial services had the fastest growth at 39% to $90 million.
    Angelica Ang, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The breakthrough dramatically boosts the power of attosecond light used to probe the fastest electron motions in atoms and materials.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Since Berman took the helm in 2022, professional women’s soccer has seen rapid growth.
    Jessica Golden, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • His keen playful writing combines magical realism, genre-busting humor, literary zip—and there are few people better suited to adapting Wilder than Ethan Lipton.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Zoo Miami also boasts Ron Magill, whose Walk on the Wild events featuring educational segments, animal encounters and keen eye for photography continue to draw audiences.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • And even with those two gone, Dubar slid down Boise State’s depth chart, managing just three carries for 12 yards so far in 2025.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Not only are the views, of course, often repulsive, but the actual form of argument is not argument… That’s what interests me, that even the most basic principles that people have worked on for 2,000 years to establish what a fact means…gone.
    Josh Zajdman, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • During the event, several confrontations broke out, but were quickly calmed by police, who had formed a perimeter around Zellerbach Hall.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2025
  • The few who have flirted with defying the president have quickly seen their reelection fortunes falter.
    Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Still, more robust research was needed to declare that the portfolio diet leads to heart-health benefits for everyone, including healthy individuals.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Gizmo’s incredible adoption story has certainly melted hearts online after Neveux documented her journey on TikTok (@saviiirose).
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Senators in both parties seemed willing to try and continue working on the bill to pay government workers, although doing so would alleviate some of the current pressure to come to a deal.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Amazon, likewise, has been willing to buy to give it scale in a space, from MGM to Whole Foods.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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