prompt

1 of 4

verb

ˈpräm(p)t 

prompted; prompting; prompts

transitive verb

1

: to move to action : incite

2

: to assist (one acting or reciting) by suggesting or saying the next words of something forgotten or imperfectly learned : cue

3

: to serve as the inciting cause of

evidence prompting an investigation

prompter noun

prompt

2 of 4

adjective (1)

: of or relating to prompting actors

prompt

3 of 4

adjective (2)

1

: being ready and quick to act as occasion demands

2

: performed readily or immediately

prompt assistance

promptness

ˈpräm(p)t-nəs 

ˈprämp-nəs

noun

prompt

4 of 4

noun

plural prompts ˈpräm(p)ts 

ˈprämps

1

[prompt entry 1] : something that prompts : reminder

2

[prompt entry 3] : a limit of time given for payment of an account for goods purchased

also : the contract by which this time is fixed

Synonyms

Verb

• beget
• breed
• bring
• bring about
• bring on
• catalyze
• cause
• create
• do
• draw on
• effect
• effectuate
• engender
• generate
• induce
• invoke
• make
• occasion
• produce
• result (in)
• spawn
• translate (into)
• work
• yield

Adjective (2)

• immediate
• punctual
• speedy
• timely

Choose the Right Synonym for prompt

quick, prompt, ready, apt 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

prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response.

prompt emergency medical care

ready suggests facility or fluency in response.

backed by a pair of ready assistants

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

Examples of prompt in a Sentence

Verb

Curiosity prompted her to ask a few questions.

Pride prompted his angry response.

The evidence prompted a criminal investigation.

“Did you hear me?” he prompted when his friend did not respond to his first question.

The actor had to be prompted by someone who was standing offstage.

The computer prompted me to type in a number.

Adjective (2)

prompt treatment of snakebites is always advisable

our waiter was prompt and courteous despite the fact that the restaurant was understaffed

Noun

The actor was given a prompt by someone offstage.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Tesla’s stock has surged since CEO Elon Musk helped bankroll President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, but its auto business has been sluggish, prompting the company to offer discounts in the hopes of juicing sales. —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

The original wedding site was quite a ways outside Vancouver, where the show is primarily filmed, but concerns about the limited options for pivoting in case the unpredictable June weather interfered prompted them to move the location three or four days before filming took place. —Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024

Adjective

This swift response is helpful for strokes or heart attacks where prompt action can significantly impact results. —Ethan Stone, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024

The lawsuit argues that the delay violated Nebraska's Financial Data Protection and Consumer Notification of Data Security Breach Act, which requires prompt notification of affected individuals. —Lars Daniel, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Noun

The technique, called external cueing, works by using visual, auditory, or tactile prompts—colored tape on the ground, playing a metronome, or physical vibrations—to engage neural pathways not affected by the disease. —Grace Browne, WIRED, 10 Dec. 2024

Users can upload their own assets to extend, remix, and blend videos on top of generating entirely new content with a text prompt. —Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Medieval Latin promptare, from Latin promptus prompt

Adjective (2)

Middle English, from Latin promptus ready, prompt, from past participle of promere to bring forth, from pro- forth + emere to take — more at redeem

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (1)

1768, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing prompt

• prompt side

Kids Definition

prompt

1 of 3 verb

ˈpräm(p)t 

1

: to lead to do something

curiosity prompted her to ask the question

2

: to remind of something forgotten or poorly learned

prompt an actor

3

: to be the cause of : inspire

pride prompted the act

prompt

2 of 3 adjective

1

a

: being ready and quick to act

prompt to answer

b

: being on time : punctual

prompt in arriving

2

: done at once : given without delay

prompt assistance

promptly adverb

promptness noun

prompt

3 of 3 noun

: something that prompts : reminder