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 of quick in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The directions are easy to follow, so younger players will catch on fast, and the game is quick enough (so kids will never be waiting too long for their turn). Toby Rose, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024 All these tools help promote quick response and expand self-service solution options. Amit Gandhi, Forbes, 23 Oct. 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
  • His comments receive swift backlash from Democrats and Republicans.
    Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
  • 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
Adjective
  • The true cost of a burger Policies encouraging settler colonialism ultimately led to more sedentary lifestyles and a dependence on fast, convenient and processed foods – such as hamburgers – regardless of the individual or environmental costs.
    Hannah Cutting-Jones, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2024
  • The same reason the first results are so fast (lack of congestion) is also why the latency result came back so high (our test server was located far from Manhattan).
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 23 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The torrential rainfall produced this week was about 12% heavier and twice as likely to happen now compared to a pre-industrial climate, before humans began burning fossil fuels, according to a rapid analysis by World Weather Attribution.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024
  • By mobilizing financing, the fund helps low- and middle-income countries strengthen critical capacities such as disease surveillance and early detection, laboratories for rapid testing, and health emergency workforce that are essential to stop outbreaks from spreading.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 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
  • Read the full Aquarius Daily Horoscope Pisces (February 19 - March 20) Your heart has desires, and your spirit has monumental aspirations.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Take a moment to pause and discern what truly aligns with your heart.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Selzer is known for being far less willing to account for potential distortions such as response bias.
    Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Bryson allegedly posted in a Facebook group where birth mothers connect with families interested in adoption, claiming that she was located in Houston but was willing to travel to hand over the baby, authorities said in the charging documents.
    Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Many of the comments noted how clever and detailed the dad was when creating the costume.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Pins & Aces is a golf brand that's redefining the game with its clever and stylish products.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near quick

Cite this Entry

“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on quick

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