quick 1 of 3

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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

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adverb

quick

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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

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 quick
Adjective
The cast members were quick to throw each other under the bus, so to say. Dennis Romero, NBC News, 10 Nov. 2024 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, 7 Nov. 2024
Adverb
The 26-year-old QB avoided taking any hits against the Arizona Cardinals, routinely getting the ball out quick. Andy Scholes, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024 The study found that three quarters of marketers still rely on old school research methods to come up with new marketing concepts—something that AI could improve through quicker and more comprehensive analysis. Megan Poinski, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun
Hall’s adaptation cuts to the quick of the novel and transfers the shifting, unsettling quality of Larsen’s text back onto the viewer’s shoulders. New York Times, 20 Oct. 2021 Jones took the snap and fired a quick out to Henry for 6 yards and the first down. BostonGlobe.com, 14 Sep. 2021 See all Example Sentences for quick 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick
Adjective
  • The ability to holistically view the problem or situation at hand and leverage data to make a decision that leads to the most optimal outcomes powers flawless, swift execution.
    Naveen Singh, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • His comments receive swift backlash from Democrats and Republicans.
    Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Last week, bond yields surged on expectations that President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to lower tax rates, increase tariffs and reduce regulation could ultimately lead to higher U.S. government debt and inflation, along with faster economic growth.
    Alex Veiga, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
  • The Food and Drug Administration said in an update that the number of people sickened by the fast food bacteria outbreak has climbed from 90 to 104.
    Melvin Backman, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The rapid adoption of renewable diesel produced a glut of credits, which reduced the incentives under the program, experts told Bay Area News Group.
    Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • Axon acknowledges the potential risks associated with its reliance on law enforcement agencies for a significant portion of its revenue, as well as the challenges posed by rapid technological changes and new competing products.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • People who live in the home and have grown used to the set-up of a room may not notice these aspects, but a designer’s keen eyes can’t help but have tunnel-vision towards these things that either make a room special or stand out like a sore thumb.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024
  • This year’s fete, which took place between Oct. 24-Nov. 1 in the Egyptian resort town, welcomed keen audiences and key regional and international players as part of market platform CineGouna.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 2 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • 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
  • People have found out in the process — some who’ve gone virtual — their attendance has gone way up.
    Peggy O’Hare, ExpressNews.com, 7 May 2020
Noun
  • In today’s deal, North’s leap to four hearts is preemptive, and West doubles that outrage with his 23 high-card points.
    Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Scherzinger wrote alongside a prayer emoji and a heart emoji.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The same study also noted that companies are willing to pay a premium for professionals with AI skills within IT, sales and marketing, finance, operations, legal and compliance, and HR (human resources), with the highest salary increase of 47% going to workers in the IT department.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Selzer is known for being far less willing to account for potential distortions such as response bias.
    Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Other clever design touches are everywhere, from plastic guyline clips made from a material that won’t crack even in temperatures as low as negative 60 Fahrenheit, to wraparound snowflaps that enable you to set the tent up without stakes in deep snow.
    Wes Siler, Outside Online, 6 Nov. 2024
  • She’s built a clever brand for herself now as the nice grandma who knows everything there is to know about rose gardens but also has done hard time and is friends with Snoop.
    Constance Grady, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near quick

Cite this Entry

“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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