ready 1 of 2

1
as in go
being in a state of fitness for some experience or action after studying for months, she felt ready for the bar exam

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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ready

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ready contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ready are apt, prompt, and quick. While all these words mean "able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability," ready suggests facility or fluency in response.

backed by a pair of ready assistants

When is it sensible to use apt instead of ready?

The meanings of apt and ready largely overlap; however, 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 ready?

While in some cases nearly identical to ready, prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response.

prompt emergency medical care

When is quick a more appropriate choice than ready?

The words quick and ready can be used in similar contexts, but quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power.

quick reflexes
a keen quick mind

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 ready
Adjective
Two hours later, Goldberg-Polin is ready to go. Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025 Dress it up with a skirt and boots for an office-ready outfit, or throw it on with jeans and clogs for a look even Rory Gilmore would wear. Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
Time to ready the kitchen sink, Coach. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025 Building to the Big House big day As Michigan Stadium readies for its musical debutante moment, Rademacher has been soaking in the excitement firsthand. Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ready
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ready
Adjective
  • If the Cowboys opt for the poison preferred recently by Carolina, Evans — Tampa Bay’s career receiving yardage leader — could conduct a go-route clinic.
    Joey Knight, Dallas News, 14 Jan. 2023
  • This is my new go-spring treat for sunny afternoons and porch-chair traveling.
    Kim Sunée, Anchorage Daily News, 22 Apr. 2021
Adjective
  • Democrats and Republicans in Congress have been playing the blame game this week, accusing the other of not being willing to negotiate.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • One can make the case that many voters are also willing to be selective in their vision—the right’s defense of free speech gathered steam despite the Republican Party suffering from even more seemingly intractable internal contradictions on the issue.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For example, a question about how much remaining personal time off an employee has gets a quick response without having to open a case with HR.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Audio is fine for quick answers, while the slim design looks good in a hallway.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Setup is as easy as plugging in the HDMI cable into your TV and the sound bar, thanks to HDMI ARC, and the slim profile allows this device to be wall-mounted or propped up on your TV stand.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
  • McConkey is an even easier case to make, now doing well himself in the NFL, and responsible for 119 catches, 1,687 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns over those three years.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • A week ago, the Boston Red Sox were preparing for their first trip to the postseason in four years.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Participants will learn the basics of Dutch oven cooking and how to prepare various recipes, some that include wild game meat.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The wide receiver spot has been fortified more with four-stars and transfers, the result being depth.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Many high-calcium foods offer more calcium than milk per serving, including sardines, tofu, sesame seeds, soy milk, collard greens, certain cheeses, and fortified juices and cereals.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • McMahon is prepared to loosen even more rules on the money.
    Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 8 Oct. 2025
  • In prepared remarks for a hearing on Wednesday, Warner says nearly 25% of agents who typically handle counterterrorism, cybercrime, and espionage have been reassigned to immigration enforcement.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Mets fans will likely be glad to see the back of Helsley, assuming their team's front office doesn't count on a bounce-back.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Petite shoppers will be glad to hear that the cozy bottoms are available in both a 22- and 30-inch inseam; the former is designed to fit those under 5 feet 4 inches.
    Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Ready.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ready. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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