quick 1 of 3

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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

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
Jinga further noted that as Dexory continues to improve the technology that underlies DexoryView, existing customers will benefit from the upgrades and new customers will see faster deployments and quicker return on investment. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025 The release sparked widespread conversation about the cultural state of the bush, but no reaction was swifter than that of the sapphic internet, where posters were quick to point out that the bush has long been the fashion in lesbian circles. Quispe López, Them., 15 Oct. 2025
Adverb
Retailers may subtly pass them off by raising prices during phases like the holiday season, though tariffs could also make some manufacturing unprofitable and bring about automation quicker. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025 Dearfoams Fuzzy Memory Foam Slippers Nothing dispels at-home coziness quicker than walking barefoot on cold floors. Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 8 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
  • Yet this claim conceals the fact that registration is swift for compliant unions but obstructed for independent ones.
    Sourcing Journal, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
  • With segregationists in control of the federal government, Wilson took swift action.
    Time, Time, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Elementary school students spent more time in front of the TV than in school, viewing thousands of commercials for sugary cereals, candies and fast foods every year.
    Alice Callahan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Jinga further noted that as Dexory continues to improve the technology that underlies DexoryView, existing customers will benefit from the upgrades and new customers will see faster deployments and quicker return on investment.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Employers can tap our natural human urge to connect through culture-building and clear organizational purpose – especially during rapid transformation like the AI revolution and other economic pressures.
    Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But scientists are keen to better understand them, as this super-polluting gas traps around 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide in its first 20 years in the atmosphere.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Others, however, aren’t as keen on the idea of taking less pay just to work from their couches.
    Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Al-Khatib’s home an d almost everything his family owned is long gone.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
  • By reprogramming ordinary cells—like skin fibroblasts—into stem cells, scientists hope to create eggs and sperm from individuals long gone.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • The couple met on the dating app Hinge in early 2022 and quickly hit it off.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The docuseries also included an allegation that Michaels was aware of the administration of caffeine pills to contestants — claims that Michaels quickly and vigorously denied.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There’s a common theme with Steen, Arbour and Jackman — all three players were heart-and-soul players with the Blues.
    Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Our hearts are extra full this week 🥰 #DedicationNight featuring our stars’ special guests is TONIGHT - 8/7c on ABC and Disney+.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Much depends on whether Arab governments are willing to take ownership of Gaza—to manage it, rebuild it, and ensure Hamas or any similar terrorist group can't rise again.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Over the past couple of years, Timbaland has positioned himself as one of the few contemporary pop figures willing to fully embrace the use of artificial intelligence in music.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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