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
Pixel 10 Pro Design Leaks The Pixel 9a may be ready for an imminent launch, yet this week, the first clear looks at the Pixel 10 family have been revealed. Ewan Spence, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 The nature here is plentiful, with waterfalls and caves in ready supply. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
The Trump administration has designated Mexican drug cartels as terrorist groups and is readying 25% tariffs on goods imported from Mexico. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2025 According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is readying its marketing, sales, and retail teams for the launch while clearing out inventory of its existing MacBook Air models. Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 24 Feb. 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
  • By contrast, Keating’s response was a significant escalation of how strongly Democrats are willing to defend McBride — and the dignity of trans people more broadly — in the halls of Congress.
    Samantha Riedel, Them, 12 Mar. 2025
  • While that might be true for future presidents, Trump is not as swayed by public opinion as a second-term president, and a Congress ruled by the same party is much more willing to acquiesce to the demands of the executive.
    Carrie Johnson, NPR, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Mackerel This protein-dense oily fish is ubiquitous in the Mediterranean and parts of the Atlantic and has a rich flavor, a buttery texture, and is quick to cook on the grill, in the oven, or in a pan.
    Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2025
  • While the sheer number of krill in the Southern Ocean means the species is unlikely to face an acute threat to its survival in the near term, Savoca is quick to point out that numbers are no guarantee of success.
    Gabe Castro-Root, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That happens sometimes – two people grow apart, and a quality that once was easy to overlook becomes an inflection point.
    Eric Thomas, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2025
  • None of this is easy to watch for audiences who love animals, even if these unicorns are dark and fairly menacing in their appearance — not to mention perfectly capable of defending themselves.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • House of the Little Pig regularly will bring in animals for Posada to prepare.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Also making the rounds was Sarah Burton, who was preparing to show her debut collection for Givenchy on Friday and will be joining the LVMH Prize jury as a result.
    Joelle Diderich, WWD, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • What hope had been fortified in the first half Wednesday had faded by the second.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, rising seas on Alaska's shoreline have forced the Pentagon to fortify radar sites.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Be prepared to let go of some control of your itinerary, as weather conditions can be unpredictable and WiFi coverage is limited.
    Dobrina Zhekova, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Others, however, say the department has become a bloated bureaucracy that is not particularly effective, and that states are better prepared to handle their own education policies.
    Andrew Stanton, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • What seems certain is that both the club and player will be glad when the summer transfer window opens and AC Milan can part ways with Theo Hernández with the two parties clearly needing a fresh start.
    Adam Digby, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Marian coach Dan Murray knows his team survived an off shooting night but was glad the Spartans could still win against the Celtics.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Ready.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ready. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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