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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

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
Some employees prefer quick messages and informal updates. Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 12 May 2026 Scammers are also preying on emotions, hoping consumers will make a quick purchase before thinking. Mahsa Saeidi, CBS News, 12 May 2026
Adverb
Beyond the Lakers’ evolving second-round rotations, Redick stressed that his team would need to move into its offense quicker during Game 2 and in the remainder of the series. Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 8 May 2026 However, another quick-moving disturbance will bring another chance for showers and storms to the area Saturday evening, the weather service said. Kansas City Star, 8 May 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
  • For DiPentima, the bill’s swift progress though the legislature was concerning.
    P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
  • The collision occurred off base, prompting a lockdown and swift emergency response, as witnesses reported fire and smoke and video captured four parachutes opening while wreckage fell.
    Rebecca Boone, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • The house is a few minutes drive to Gulf Beach, on a bus line, within walking distance of a supermarket, Starbuck’s, and fast food.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • Wendy’s — Shares rallied more than 23% after The Financial Times reported , citing people familiar with the matter, that Nelson Peltz’s Trian Fund Management was looking to raise funds for a bid to take the fast food chain private.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • For instance, researchers found that rapid urbanization and electrification across Asia drove brightening in cities from China to India to Sub-Saharan Africa.
    Bree Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Both countries are keen to boost that number, though where the White House’s red line is drawn — particularly around cutting-edge tech and AI components — will be key.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 14 May 2026
  • So there’s been keen interest in McConaughey’s strategy.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 May 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, 18 May 2026
  • Some of the day’s most affecting moments came from first-time nominees still processing how quickly their lives have changed.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Eating snacks rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium, and fiber can help lower blood pressure and support heart health.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 11 May 2026
  • Small habits and lifestyle changes can also benefit your blood pressure and overall heart health.
    Jennifer Berger, Verywell Health, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Kolo Muani produced one of his better performances, willing to get on the ball and run at defenders.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 May 2026
  • Suddenly, solutions feel easier to grasp, as people are more willing to compromise and collaborate.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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