QUICK Synonyms: 407 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

quick 1 of 3

adjective

ˈkwik

Definition of quick next

as in swift

having or showing the ability to respond without delay or hesitation she's a quick wit, always ready with a pun or joke when the moment calls for one

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in rapid

moving, proceeding, or acting with great speed a quick run through the car wash, and your vehicle will look as good as new

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in breathing

having or showing life after the battle, there was a hurried accounting of the quick and the dead

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in keen

able to sense slight impressions or differences parlayed her quick eye for beauty into ownership of a top modeling agency

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gone

archaic containing unborn young within the body a woman quick with child

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

quick

2 of 3

adverb

as in quickly

with great speed watch out, as the cars pass by here pretty quick

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Eating fatty, salty, and sugary foods triggers a quick release of dopamine. —

Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 15 Feb. 2025 Here's a quick bit of context on what's happening in and around the brain. —

New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2025

Adverb

They should be stored in shallow containers, which enable the food to cool quicker. —

Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 12 Feb. 2025 Coaches, league officials and fans say the speed of the Swedish game has gotten quicker, as players make smarter and faster decisions. —

Steve Douglas, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025

Noun

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 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 See all Example Sentences for quick

Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick

Adjective

Redemption was swift and sublime for Bart Verbruggen against Chelsea.

— Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
So is the country's push for swift justice Trump's rhetoric, which appears to change tack on Putin's ostracism by the U.S., was welcomed by some in Russia.

— Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025