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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
Chinese nationals are also prime targets, prompting Beijing to coordinate with Myanmar's government in recent years to crack down on scam compounds. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 The Justice Department moved to dismiss corruption charges against Adams, prompting the resignations of several prosecutors in New York and Washington, including Danielle Sassoon, the acting U.S. attorney in Manhattan, who accused the mayor and the Justice Department of negotiating a quid pro quo. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Skin Symptoms Requiring Emergency Medical Care Get prompt medical attention if: The bumps are causing severe pain and swelling. William Truswell, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2025 President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan, writing on his Facebook page, called for a prompt investigation into the cause of the accident. Jenny Gross, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
Some responses, however, opposed the Chicago’s musician prompt. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 21 Feb. 2025 With even his sporadic shortness of breath seemingly more a psychological symptom than anything else, the doctor simply prescribes some restful time off — an order that Munir takes as a prompt for an unhurried suicide mission. Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prompt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prompt
Verb
  • Skin rashes, sudden allergies, hypersensitivity, and re-emerging latent viruses like the kind that cause mononucleosis and herpes are common among space crews.
    Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2025
  • These medications kill the bacteria that caused the infection.
    Sarah Hudgens, Health, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In a potential landmark action, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency has privately urged the Trump administration to reconsider a scientific finding that has long been the central basis for U.S. action against climate change.
    MATTHEW DALY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 27 Feb. 2025
  • In the continued fight for racial justice and amid reinvigorated efforts to erase Black contributions to American history, Wells would urge activists to be steadfast in speaking truth into the world and advocating relentlessly for a more racially just America.
    Amy Gais / Made by History, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Paradise was an immediate fan favorite, and Hulu wasted no time announcing that the edge-of-your-seat story would continue.
    Dana Feldman, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • There were no immediate reports Thursday of any Starship wreckage falling over populated areas.
    Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025
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
  • Snagging a deal on Woot is about being quick, as these deals don't stick for long, disappearing as soon as stock runs out (which is usually pretty quick).
    Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 27 Feb. 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
  • But companies ranging from Ford to Walmart have warned about the negative effects that tariffs could create for their businesses.
    COMPILED BYDEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFFFROM WIRE REPORTS, arkansasonline.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, a blizzard warning is in effect in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota, where a combination of snow and gusty winds could create dangerous whiteout conditions on roads Tuesday night into Wednesday.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Nope, although Google does encourage all users to switch from passwords and traditional 2FA to the use of passkeys, of course.
    Davey Winder, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • But the internet encourages the transformation of antipathy into creative fodder, and enables its dissemination.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Flexibility enables swift adjustments to changing circumstances, ensuring continuity and competitiveness.
    Jochen Schwenk, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prompt. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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