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

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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
LeCroy was quick to comfort him—though every mom watching recognized the protective Mama Bear look in her eyes. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 27 Feb. 2025 Here’s a quick breakdown of the different RV types available and their general features. Joan Pabón, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
Adverb
The engine mates to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that shifts 30 percent quicker than that found in the 812 Superfast, which is a seven-speed setup. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2025 Catch up quick: Leah Barlow, an African American Studies professor at North Carolina A&T State University, created @afamstudies as a resource for her students. Analis Bailey, Axios, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
Down by 7 with 4:30 to go in the third quarter, Brady delivered a quick out to Edelman, who then connected with Danny Amendola for the 51-yard touchdown pass. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Dec. 2021 Hall’s adaptation cuts to the quick of the novel and transfers the shifting, unsettling quality of Larsen’s text back onto the viewer’s shoulders. New York Times, 20 Oct. 2021 See All Example Sentences for quick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick
Adjective
  • The reaction from some prominent Trump supporters on social media to the document release, particularly the lack of new information, was swift and damning, with lots of criticism for the right-wing influencers involved — but much of the opprobrium reserved for Bondi.
    Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Flexibility enables swift adjustments to changing circumstances, ensuring continuity and competitiveness.
    Jochen Schwenk, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The developments on high performance computing AI are moving forward at a fast rate.
    Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The program was expected to fund 172 new fast charging ports at 29 locations across Colorado in multiple rounds, with the state also investing $48 million through the first three rounds.
    Elyse Apel | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • With Cash App monthly active users stagnating at 57 million for the last few quarters, the company is focused on engagement rather than rapid user acquisition.
    MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Yet these numbers also raise serious questions about the sustainability of such rapid token creation and the implications for investors drawn into what essentially amounts to a high-stakes lottery.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Rosanna Fiedler, founder of the one-year-old brand Wyld Box Jewelry, creates adornments with the artistry of a sculptor and the vision of a keen vintage jewelry connoisseur.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • As a keen music lover, Lowson decided to sing for the residents using the nursing home's karaoke kit.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • So many firsts, gone, charred to ash, just remnants of an area that once represented Black prosperity and joy.
    Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The original pioneers were mostly busy making non-hyperpop or gone: SOPHIE tragically died in 2021; 100 gecs spent years toiling to make their zany stadium-rock second album.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • In late January, an EKG and check-up showed his heart was operating normally.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2025
  • In the death chamber, Sigmon will be strapped to a chair and have a hood over his head and a target over his heart.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Between the two of them, Basel is the more reticent, the one less willing to dream out loud.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025
  • There's no guarantee that the private sector is willing to pick up either the capital expenditure or the operation and maintenance (much less the legal liabilities) of some 122 weather radars, 16 satellites, 15 ships and 10 airplanes.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • More News: William Byron Just Pulled Off a Daytona 500 Feat Only Four Others Have Speaking about the incident in an interview, Byron seemed amused by the clever digital jest.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The clever critters have apparently learned that the sewers are safer than busy roads.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.

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