quick 1 of 3

1
2
as in fast
having or showing quickness of mind a quick lad, he immediately caught on to how the machinery operated

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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quick

2 of 3

adverb

quick

3 of 3

noun

as in heart
the seat of one's deepest thoughts and emotions that nasty comment cut me to the quick

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective quick contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of quick are apt, prompt, and ready. While all these words 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

When is apt a more appropriate choice than quick?

The words apt and quick can be used in similar contexts, but 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 quick?

While the synonyms prompt and quick are close in meaning, prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response.

prompt emergency medical care

When is it sensible to use ready instead of quick?

The meanings of ready and quick largely overlap; however, 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 quick
Adjective
The bear blew past him half a stride, dug its front claws in the dirt, then spun a quick 180 and lunged at Bentzel. Benjamin Alva Polley, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025 In these scenarios, defenders have to bounce back onto their heels, creating an inflated amount of space — and giving the guard an immediate advantage in the first step to cut into open space and catch a quick flip pass for a rapid-fire shot. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
Adverb
Catch up quick: Once Prevost was elevated to Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, Historic New Orleans Collection genealogist Jari Honora got curious and immediately researched his family background. Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 9 May 2025 Shoppers suggest using an electric screwdriver to make assembly even quicker. Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
Noun
But a turnaround that quick will cost you: the service is $400 for GenVisa and $799 for FastPort, and that’s not including any government fees. Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2022 Down by 7 with 4:30 to go in the third quarter, Brady delivered a quick out to Edelman, who then connected with Danny Amendola for the 51-yard touchdown pass. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Dec. 2021 See All Example Sentences for quick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick
Adjective
  • This surge reflects growing investor confidence in NuScale’s distinctive position within the nuclear energy industry, propelled by rising electricity demand amid the AI boom and the swift progression of global electrification.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Suspect Elias Rodriguez, of Chicago, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in a swift reaction to the apparent antisemitic attack.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • That's much faster than most tablets, many of which require two or more hours to recharge.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 22 May 2025
  • In 2023 alone, clean energy employment in Florida grew by 5.9%, nearly 2.5 times faster than overall state job growth.
    Zach Colletti, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • But over the decades, jobs vanished, factories closed, and industry's hum was replaced by the lure of cheap labor overseas and rapid automation at home.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • However, no big promises are being made about throwing a lot of money at a rapid rise.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • President Donald Trump's administration is also keen to increase energy exports to India to address a U.S. trade deficit of well over $45 billion in 2024.
    Danish Manzoor Bhat, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
  • Gustavo Mejia, the Mandarina experiences manager who runs the operation, played 53 matches last year and hosted professional players as well as beginners keen to learn.
    Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • So many firsts, gone, charred to ash, just remnants of an area that once represented Black prosperity and joy.
    Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The original pioneers were mostly busy making non-hyperpop or gone: SOPHIE tragically died in 2021; 100 gecs spent years toiling to make their zany stadium-rock second album.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • All of our hearts are broken … our sadness is gut wrenching - there’s a hole, something is missing.
    Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2025
  • Pregnant women are at high risk for severe disease and studies show that the likelihood of miscarriage, stillbirth and pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, blood clots, heart and kidney damage and hypertension are much higher among women who develop COVID-19 during pregnancy.
    Karen Weintraub, USA Today, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Too bad, but anyway plot and plausibility are far less important than the experiential qualities Resurrection offers those willing to accept its fairy tale-like pitch.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025
  • For now the Bears seem willing to let the noise continue into June.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • The 76 gasoline brand, after all, evokes the patriotism of 1776 — a clever marketing ploy.
    Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • Charlie Davis Season: 46 Placed: 2nd If Q was the hurricane blowing through Survivor 46, Davis was a source of calm geniality at the center, constantly quoting Taylor Swift songs while obscuring his careful, clever gameplay.
    Ben Rosenstock, Time, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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