prompt 1 of 3

1
2

prompt

2 of 3

adjective

prompt

3 of 3

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

Examples 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
You will just be prompted to sign up with an email and password before shopping the sale. Claire Franken, TVLine, 6 Dec. 2024 That prompted Nowaid to sue Caltrans for interfering with his business. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Malaysia floods prompt evacuations KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Malaysia is preparing for its worst floods in a decade after heavier-than-expected monsoon rains caused severe flooding that killed three people and displaced more than 90,000. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 30 Nov. 2024 Anaphylaxis requires prompt medical attention because of symptoms that include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
Noun
Microsoft is now trying to convince Windows 10 users to buy a new PC with full-screen prompts. Tom Warren, The Verge, 4 Dec. 2024 On the back, write a prompt for each day, then write down your kids' answers each night. Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prompt 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prompt
Verb
  • Seasonal visitors like rodents, spiders, and wildlife can cause significant damage and health risks without intervention.
    Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Geminid meteors are caused by dust and debris left in the inner solar system, not by a comet — as is usually the case for meteor showers — but by an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon, which hurtles through the solar system every 18 months.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Bragg's office urged Merchan to reject Trump's motion to dismiss the case in light of the Republican's 2024 election victory.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Nobel Prize winners urge senators to oppose confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump attend a campaign event sponsored by conservative group Turning Point USA, in Duluth, Georgia, U.S., October 23, 2024.
    Annika Kim Constantino,Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Spending and taxes were a major focus for Reagan's immediate successor, George H.W. Bush.
    Ron Elving, NPR, 7 Dec. 2024
  • If successful, the motion would have stripped Yoon of his presidential authority with immediate effect.
    Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Short books to read to meet your reading goal Need a short book to cap off your 2024 reading or a quick, immersive read to get you out of a reading slump?
    Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Amidst it all, Paris Hilton, the ultimate Duracell bunny, took a quick break to join Pretty Little Liars star Ashley Benson and her actor husband Brandon Jack James for a tête-à-tête on a sofa.
    Freya Drohan, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • As a reminder, Witko says that all hummingbird swings and feeders should be cleaned regularly and nectar should be changed frequently to prevent fungal growth.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2024
  • But Sheppard’s spotlight moment at Motown 25 was a reminder of one of the weirdest chapters in the legendary label’s history.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • This instance has created a perfect storm for long-term health problems.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
  • No imminent threat exists, the report stressed, and there are currently sizable technical hurdles to creating mirror bacteria.
    Katie Hunt, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • If a person has a bad reaction to a vaccine, federal officials encourage reporting to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Major cities including Shanghai and Beijing are launching a new round of voucher programs to encourage local consumption before the holidays, also lifting sentiment.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Asia, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The river was swift and unrelenting, its currents carrying victim after victim downstream.
    Robert Pearl, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Wider international condemnation of the government's response has been swift.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near prompt

Cite this Entry

“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prompt. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on prompt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!