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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
All Ehlers needs is a quick pass in the neutral zone from his linemates to really cook. Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 2 June 2026 Eagle-eyed fans were also quick to notice several familiar faces taking part in the celebration, a possible hint at who could be returning to the show. Melina Khan, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Adverb
Earlier in the week, a White House official said the plan was intended to provide Americans quicker care if they were exposed to the virus. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 29 May 2026 The new generators packed in many more tubes, which led to quicker wear, which led to a leak of radioactive steam. Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 28 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
  • The union’s response was swift, predictable, and unyielding.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 29 May 2026
  • Read more Oil markets are betting on a swift end to the Iran war.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Another placard states that, at one point, the driver of the fastest boat in the world lived across from the Sagamore.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • SMRs are usually designed to be mass-produced and shipped to sites for faster and cheaper installation than traditional reactors, which often take over a decade to come online.
    Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • According to the health ministry, the main challenges in containing the outbreak include early detection and rapid isolation of cases, rigorous contact tracing, safe and dignified burials and strengthening infection prevention and control in health facilities.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 June 2026
  • Having scored for fun at youth level, his rise was rapid.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Those at the bar seemed interested in their drinks, while those at the tables seemed more keen on each other—or when their table at Daroco would be ready.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • Hermeus's Quarterhorse aircraft is still pushing the supersonic flight envelope, but the US Department of Defense is already so keen on the concept that it's awarded the company US$159 million to explore the military applications of the technology.
    David Szondy June 04, New Atlas, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Suddenly, photos, videos, or important documents are just… gone.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 15 May 2026
  • Room by room, the author takes us through the house, now long gone.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • The party at Chandler Stadium quickly turned sour, the fun times suppressed by the possibility of a special Georgia Tech season ending in the NCAA regionals again.
    Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 1 June 2026
  • The Spurs came out of the gates hot, quickly taking a 14-point lead, leaving the raucous Continental Coliseum crowd stunned.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • For families The hotel has a kids club with supervised activities so that parents can dine, have spa treatments or shop to their hearts’ content.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Our hearts go out to Joe's family, friends and the generations of neighbors who loved him.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • The question is, why does Amanda believe it, or rather, why is West willing to be with Amanda over those other people?
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 June 2026
  • For those willing to coordinate logistics in advance, the payoff is a front-row view of sporting traditions that predate most modern nations.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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