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
That was hardly the only time Hafley’s unit was ready to pounce when Daniels tried to get out. Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025 Melvin had two relievers ready and warmed but stuck with Verlander. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
Somewhere, creative teams are readying a rock opera and a Saturday morning cartoon. Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025 Ugarte’s adjustment of his positioning readies him to attack the space behind the defence. Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 4 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
  • That coverage was at odds with fostering civil dialogue and being willing to listen to the points of view of those who have differing opinions.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Instead of donating the items to thrift stores, consider checking with local parenting groups or shelters to find a family willing to accept more recent models that haven’t been recalled.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, a quick review of the central bank’s dot plot underscores just how divided the Fed Governors are on the question of whether to cut interest rates (and by how much) over the next 12 months.
    Paul Weinstein Jr, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Changing your own wipers is quick and easy.
    Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Summarizing decades of comics history is no easy task but the team pulls it off well here.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Transforming Amazon into a startup-like environment isn’t an easy task.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The San Diego State football team, idle over the weekend, has had two weeks to prepare for this weekend’s nonconference game against Cal.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Or preparing their kid for what is next in life.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Richer creams packed with hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid that fortify the skin’s barrier from the coming windchill and the telltale skin tightness from indoor heating take center stage on our top shelves.
    Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Just this past offseason Miami put an emphasis on fortifying the trenches, correcting a past wrong, adding players with size and girth on the offensive and defensive line via the NFL Draft.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Athletics were ill-prepared to meet Connelly Early last week.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
  • If a major coastal storm is headed our way, stay informed and be prepared to evacuate.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Lee agreed Canto-Osorio did fumble, but was glad to catch a break.
    Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Most pay equity advocates are glad men's earnings have increased, said Katherine Gallagher Robbins, senior research fellow for the National Partnership for Women & Families.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Ready.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ready. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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