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prompt

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adjective

prompt

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective prompt contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prompt are apt, quick, and ready. While all these words mean "able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability," prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response.

prompt emergency medical care

When is apt a more appropriate choice than prompt?

The meanings of apt and prompt largely overlap; however, 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

In what contexts can quick take the place of prompt?

Although the words quick and prompt have much in common, quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power.

quick reflexes
a keen quick mind

Where would ready be a reasonable alternative to prompt?

The words ready and prompt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 prompt
Verb
The immoveable inevitability of the performance—when the project must be ready—prompts theater-makers to reverse-engineer clear timelines, ambitious benchmarks and a joint-problem-solving orientation. Jeffrey R. Wilson, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Jan. 2025 The Great Depression, and changing American geographical demographics, prompted Roosevelt to adjust the purpose of Progressive ideas about conservation. Johnathan K Williams / Made By History, TIME, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
The issue for me is whether these prompt executive orders were examples of governance or shtick. Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Jan. 2025 OpenAI reports the system recognized all but one case of prompt injection attempts during an early internal red-teaming session. Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
There's Drawing Assist, a generative AI tool to craft new images in different art styles based on sketches or text prompts. Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 22 Jan. 2025 With prompts, templates and an understanding of natural language, federal officers can unlock its potential. Komal Goyal, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for prompt 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prompt
Verb
  • The previous administration’s decision to change the team's nickname caused a ton of blowback from fans.
    Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Baby shark mysteriously born in aquarium tank housing only females The arrival of a baby shark at an aquarium in Louisiana has caused a wave of excitement after the egg hatched, despite the fact that no male sharks appear to have been involved.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Perry urges that there needs to be a strong and unrelenting response to these attacks, something Democrats haven’t been doing with nearly enough force.
    Brea Baker, refinery29.com, 3 Feb. 2025
  • In the first days of his second term, Trump also signed the Laken Riley Act, which urges immigration officers to detain unauthorized immigrants when arrested for crimes like burglary, theft, larceny, and shoplifting or assaulting a law enforcement officer.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There was no immediate word on casualties or the cause of the collision.
    Greg Wehner, Fox News, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The president’s attack on DEI also had an immediate impact on the private sector, where corporations that once made commitments to diversify announced an end to those programs promptly after he was sworn in.
    Malaika Jabali, Essence, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Fans online were quick to notice the hug between the singers.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Jackie and Simone didn’t hold back in their confessionals, and Toya was quick to call it out in real time.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 3 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The snafu over the OMB memo was a reminder that de-wokeifying the government isn’t a matter of snapping one’s fingers.
    Matthew Continetti, National Review, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Jeff Swensen/Getty Images Groundhog Day can be a reminder of this delicate balance.
    Avery Keatley, NPR, 1 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The third season is once again created, written and directed by Mike White, with producers including White, David Bernad and Mark Kamine.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
  • And this, too, has consequences: Americans have created the information climate that other countries must accept, and this allows deceptive election practices to thrive.
    Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This can involve recognizing and celebrating individual and team achievements, encouraging open and honest feedback, and providing opportunities for team members to build personal connections.
    Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • However, the company has encouraged customers to take advantage of the clearance sales while stores remain open.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Business uncertainty The corporate reaction was swift and fierce, as Trade Partnership Worldwide predicted the tariffs would add $700 million a day to US companies’ tax burdens.
    David Goldman, CNN, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Reaction from one of the three countries was swift and decisive, while the others appeared to take more of a wait-and-see approach to Trump’s tariffs.
    Katrina Bishop, CNBC, 2 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near prompt

Cite this Entry

“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prompt. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prompt

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