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

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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

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as in breathing

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

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as in keen

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

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as in gone

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

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quick

2 of 3

adverb

as in quickly

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

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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 show’s host was quick to point out that Jim Jones was still blushing when speaking of her. —

Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 22 Jan. 2025 Like breathing apps, quick 5-minute journal prompts or small gratitude practices. —

Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 21 Jan. 2025

Adverb

Catch up quick on Richmond There was brief hope of the water being back early Wednesday when 13 of the city water plant's 20 filters were in operation, plus two of eight pumps. —

Sabrina Moreno, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025 With masses of followers and their fingers on the pulse, fashion creators serve heaps of style inspiration, introduce their communities to new brands, and list forthcoming trends quicker than ChatGPT. —

Ebony-Renee Baker, refinery29.com, 3 Jan. 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

The Republican also acknowledged Charlotte is pushing for swift action in the legislature.

— Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2025
Even for many residents of Gaza, however, the swift re-emergence of the fighters, some in official uniforms, was a surprise.

— Iyad Abuheweila, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025