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prompt

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adjective

prompt

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective prompt contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prompt are apt, quick, and ready. While all these words mean "able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability," prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response.

prompt emergency medical care

When is apt a more appropriate choice than prompt?

The meanings of apt and prompt 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

In what contexts can quick take the place of prompt?

Although the words quick and prompt have much in common, quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power.

quick reflexes
a keen quick mind

Where would ready be a reasonable alternative to prompt?

The words ready and prompt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 prompt
Verb
In a new clip ahead of Tuesday’s episode, obtained by Rolling Stone, the series revisits what commentators called a pivotal moment from the trial, which prompted horrified reactions from jury members. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025 The hostages were seized in Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which prompted an Israeli offensive that has devastated the Gaza Strip. Shane Croucher, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
When to Get Emergency Help Sometimes, blood clotting disorders can cause consequences that require prompt medical attention. Steffini Stalos, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025 This approach helps prompt recruiters to ask the right follow-up questions during interviews. David Paffenholz, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
This second prompt, first sent to workers Friday evening by Trump’s Office of Personnel Management, again tells workers to list five weekly accomplishments and to plan doing so in perpetuity every Monday by midnight. Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Mar. 2025 Faced with one of those annoying CAPTCHA prompts on her screen, Lara clicks as directed, but keeps failing the test. Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prompt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prompt
Verb
  • The common cold and diseases like influenza are caused by germs called viruses.
    Jennifer Welsh, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Since then, his back-and-forth on tariffs for Canada and Mexico caused a stock market meltdown, with the S&P 500 recording its worst week since last September.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But rights groups welcomed Duterte’s detention and urged the Philippines to hand the former president over to the ICC.
    Kathleen Magramo, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
  • On Tuesday morning Vice President J.D. Vance huddled in a closed door conference meeting with House Republicans and urged them to back the measure.
    Claudia Grisales, NPR, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party condemned the detentions and called for the immediate release of all taken into custody.
    TIME, TIME, 19 Mar. 2025
  • As the sun and Neptune join forces in Pisces, everything from your immediate environment to your communication style is highlighted.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • And for quick touch-ups on dry hair, there’s a setting that goes up to 320°F.
    Siena Gagliano, Allure, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • For 25 years, this scar on the city remained a haunting reminder of what was lost until construction finally began after delays in 1994.
    Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The panel closed with a reminder that success isn’t just about individual achievement but also about building meaningful relationships.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Often called the holy grail of clean energy, nuclear fusion creates four times more energy per kilogram of fuel than traditional nuclear fission and 4 million times more than burning coal, with no greenhouse gasses or long-term radioactive waste.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2025
  • As before, no new money is created when original savings are used up.
    Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • On the positive side, the increase in applications from students of color and the growing diversity of the applicant pool are encouraging signs of progress toward more significant equity in higher education.
    Scott White, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Try to encourage the bird to perch atop a broom or other tall pole and escort it toward an open door.
    Jessica Boehm, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This agility is especially valuable in today’s economic climate, where challenges like supply chain disruptions and evolving consumer demands require swift action.
    Patrick Galleher, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • In a swift response, the European Union also announced new duties on U.S. industrial and agricultural products.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prompt. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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