prompt 1 of 3

verb

ˈpräm(p)t How to pronounce prompt (audio)
Definition of promptnext
1
as in to cause
to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind) a misguided pride prompted the family to refuse all offers of help

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to urge
to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action prompted the reluctant performer onto the stage with loud cheers and whistles

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

prompt

2 of 3

adjective

1
as in immediate
done, carried out, or given without delay prompt treatment of snakebites is always advisable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in quick
having or showing the ability to respond without delay or hesitation our waiter was prompt and courteous despite the fact that the restaurant was understaffed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

prompt

3 of 3

noun

as in reminder

Related Words

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
Then, post-pandemic inflation reared its ugly head, prompting sentiment to fall to a record low in June 2022. —Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 12 June 2026 That prompted several large financial institutions to request early access to such models. —Anjana Susarla, The Conversation, 12 June 2026
Adjective
The researchers used an exploit called a parameter-to-prompt (P2P) injection, which is closely related to more conventional prompt injection methods, which are attacks that involve manipulating an LLM by crafting deceptive text inputs that override the bot’s original instructions. —Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 17 June 2026 The Parameter-to-Prompt Injection is a close relative of the prompt injection. —Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 16 June 2026
Noun
The person most directly responsible for the prompt, Hurricanes vice president of entertainment and presentation Jason Danby, would rather share the credit. —Sean Gentille, New York Times, 5 June 2026 Follow the prompts to apply for ICR, by either linking to last year’s tax return or submitting a recent pay stub. —Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prompt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prompt
  1. cause
  2. urge
  3. immediate
  4. quick
  5. reminder
  6. create
  7. encourage
  8. swift
Verb
  • Dangerous shore break can throw a swimmer or surfer head first into the bottom causing neck and back injuries.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2026
  • Morgan died in his cell from an overdose caused by fentanyl and heroin, according to an autopsy.
    — Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Definition of cause
Verb
  • The pair also urged the clinic to disclose any discrepancies in parentage.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
  • A smoke advisory was issued for a broad swath of East Los Angeles, with members of the public urged to limit outdoor exercise and those with health issues to remain indoors.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Definition of urge
Adjective
  • Whoever wins the nomination will face an immediate campaign finance gap and depend heavily on national GOP resources.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 June 2026
  • The researchers’ examples of those immediate desires include activities such as smoking, overeating, and going to the movies instead of completing a report for work.
    — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026
Definition of immediate
Adjective
  • There is an underground tunnel connecting the main hotel and the lobby/restaurant building, which makes navigating the area much easier in a wheelchair or for those looking to avoid a cold (but quick) commute.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
  • The Iranian men’s soccer team’s quick departure from Los Angeles following its opening World Cup match was always the plan, according to the US government, despite complaints from the team.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
Definition of quick
Noun
  • Two rescues within the past week in San Miguel County are a reminder about preparation in Colorado's mountains as the arrival of warm weather means more people in the mountains.
    — Alan Gionet, CBS News, 18 June 2026
  • Whatever the case may be, the final bells are a reminder that the curse has not been lifted.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 June 2026
Definition of reminder
Verb
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
  • This article was generated by the Bay Area Home Report Bot, software that analyzes home sales or other data and creates an article based on a template created by humans.
    — Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
Definition of create
Verb
  • While most college broadcast-journalism programs tend to encourage would-be talent to ditch their regional accents in favor of a more neutral, untraceable delivery, TV pros who came up in the bigs aren’t subject to that sort of verbal nullification.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 12 June 2026
  • The event, called Fulfillment Center, was geared toward people of all ages who were encouraged to come, put their phone in a cotton bag and engage with one of the many activities centered around reading, writing, making and playing at a long, communal table.
    — Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
Definition of encourage
Adjective
  • Brown completed his swift and extraordinary rise to the top on Saturday, leading the New York Knicks to a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026
  • The athletes then were swift and skilled, but generally unmuscled, Wilt excepted.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
Definition of swift

Browse Nearby Words

promotions
prompt
prompted
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Cite this Entry

“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prompt. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of prompt for Spanish Speakers

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