quick-witted

adjective

quick-wit·​ted ˈkwik-ˈwi-təd How to pronounce quick-witted (audio)
: quick in perception and understanding : mentally alert
quick-wittedly adverb
quick-wittedness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for quick-witted

intelligent, clever, alert, quick-witted mean mentally keen or quick.

intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems.

an intelligent person could assemble it fast

clever implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities.

clever with words

alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding.

alert to new technology

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

Examples of quick-witted in a Sentence

the quick-witted child easily figured out the trick to making the toy work
Recent Examples on the Web Warm, inviting and quick-witted, Diane Rutherford's life seemed tied to her belief in the value of connection. Christina Avery, The Arizona Republic, 14 Aug. 2024 The series about a quick-witted outlaw in 18th century England, which was the storied British scribe’s first for a streamer, launched several months back. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 July 2024 Her perfect blend of mean, funny, and quick-witted commentary taking down people who act awful online has brought her over eight million followers on TikTok and one million on Instagram. Moises Mendez Ii, TIME, 30 July 2024 The air around the three is fast-paced, quick-witted, and easy. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for quick-witted 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quick-witted.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quick-witted was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near quick-witted

Cite this Entry

“Quick-witted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quick-witted. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

quick-witted

adjective
quick-wit·​ted
ˈkwik-ˈwit-əd
: quick in thinking and understanding : mentally alert
quick-wittedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on quick-witted

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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