as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind the quick-witted child easily figured out the trick to making the toy work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word quick-witted distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of quick-witted are alert, clever, and intelligent. While all these words mean "mentally keen or quick," quick-witted implies promptness in finding answers in debate or in devising expedients in moments of danger or challenge.

no match for his quick-witted opponent

When is alert a more appropriate choice than quick-witted?

Although the words alert and quick-witted have much in common, alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding.

alert to new technology

When is it sensible to use clever instead of quick-witted?

While the synonyms clever and quick-witted are close in meaning, clever implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities.

clever with words

Where would intelligent be a reasonable alternative to quick-witted?

The synonyms intelligent and quick-witted are sometimes interchangeable, but intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems.

an intelligent person could assemble it fast

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-witted Set on the real-life Mackinac Island — a car-free island in Northern Michigan — the story follows Gigi and her mom, Eloise: a quick-witted, complicated mother-daughter duo navigating relationships and reinvention under the watchful eyes of a meddling small-town community. Lindsay MacMillan, People.com, 1 July 2025 There is certainly no mention of Audrey, a quiet yet quick-witted Black woman who lasted one year as an assistant before moving on to get her teaching degree. Maris Kreizman july 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025 Ardern was quick-witted enough to sparkle on Stephen Colbert and shrewd enough to pass effective climate change legislation and protect a woman’s right to choose. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025 On Wednesday June 5, cameras will begin rolling on Private Eyes West Coast, the light crime drama for Global that reunites Priestley and Sampson as quick-witted sleuths Matt Shade and Angie Everett from the original Private Eyes in a new Canadian West Coast location. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for quick-witted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick-witted
Adjective
  • The scaling hypothesis—the belief that bigger models will produce more intelligent outputs—seems to rest on the dubious belief that a system that has been fed enough information about the world will not have to deal with fuzziness.
    Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Across a wide network, each unit can become intelligent by deploying state-of-the-art technologies and AI, but also by gaining easy access to insights from more successful locations.
    Andrei Danescu, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • That the style of Beto’s documentary is so jumpy didn’t help, either, however clever the idea of making his film an episode unto itself.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The most memorable of those came against Sheffield United, with two blockers at the near post (marked in white) and two runners from deep (black) allowing Pascal Struijk (yellow) to score from Joe Rothwell’s clever corner.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • From supporting local zoning reforms to promoting smart federal investments, our goal is simple: expand access to homeownership.
    Collyn Wainwright, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • And this year, some selections reveal smart strategizing, while others risk falling flat.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Isak himself stressed his happiness in the spring and featured in club kit promotions, hardly the actions of someone desperate for a quick exit.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • 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
  • Among the safeties, Dewitt said Patterson is the fastest; Sterlin has the most range; and Gay is the biggest and most consistent hitter.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Rob McCord is a brilliant attorney, capable of managing high-level budget deliberations while also engaging his mind creatively — whether in another language or in poetry.
    Aegis reader commentary, Baltimore Sun, 21 Aug. 2025
  • If Jefferson is limited in any way, the wide receiver cupboard is not exactly stocked with brilliant talent.
    Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The comments were greeted by sharp statements from several Arab states, which condemned the use of the term as provocative and counterproductive to peace.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Offensive coordinator Kirby Moore has welcomed the push on both sides and has emphasized the competition has kept each quarterback sharp knowing the other is ready.
    Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quick-witted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick-witted. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

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