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Definition of promptnext
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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

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

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
Those conversations prompted him to incorporate zodiac themes shortly after launching the brand in 2019. Milena Lazazzera, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026 The remarks drew widespread criticism and prompted an apology, with Galavis later citing a language barrier. Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Those are clear indications that your coffee maker requires prompt attention. Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 16 Mar. 2026 But the chip seems engineered for specialized workloads on satellites or space stations, rather than one day processing your ChatGPT prompt from orbit. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
Always update billing information directly inside your account, not through an email prompt. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026 As is the case in many corporate ad campaigns, Lutsko was one of multiple songwriters to receive prewritten lyrics with a prompt to put them to music. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prompt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prompt
Verb
  • The first would be to talk with a licensed mental health professional and ask if that person can give you some insight into whether postpartum has caused your wife’s behavior.
    Jeanne Phillips, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Homeland is currently only partially funded, causing long airport backups and other inconveniences.
    Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Liberal Democrat lawmaker Liam McArthur, who drew up the Scottish bill, had urged colleagues to back it.
    JILL LAWLESS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 19 Mar. 2026
  • San Diego City Councilmember Vivian Moreno urged the city to remove his name from all city properties and holidays.
    Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • There was no immediate confirmation from Iran, where little information has been coming out due to internet outages, round-the-clock airstrikes and tight restrictions on journalists.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Stratton called for an immediate increase to $25 an hour — a position her opponents, who supported a gradual increase to $17 per hour, said reflected naivety and a lack of Washington experience.
    Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Practical pitches can gain quick support.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Amazon’s new delivery options are likely to compete with quick-commerce apps like Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Morath’s letter to superintendents was simply a reminder of existing policy, according to the motion.
    Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026
  • But in the pursuit of a quicker and more capable M2, the CS also serves as a reminder that there are some elements of the driving experience that can’t be easily quantified on a spec sheet.
    Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The preponderance of patients paying out of pocket for these products is actually creating this dynamic where the companies are lowering their list price to compete for cash-paying customers.
    CHRISTOPHER ROWLAND THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
  • The controversial Crowsnest annexation petition in Castle Pines has been withdrawn by the developer, as Castle Pines prepares to consider creating an annexation policy.
    Olivia Young, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Rollicking Japanese City Pop era tunes from the ‘80s and ‘90s keep energy levels up; on Sundays, off-duty geiko or maiko may be sitting at a cozy banquette nearby—they’re given a discount to encourage a local patronage, too.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Looking ahead, the town is also encouraging residents to reduce water use long term by replacing traditional turf grass with more drought-resistant landscaping.
    Jamie Leary, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The proposal, which became public in February, was met with swift and decisive pushback from town officials and state lawmakers representing the town.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard credited preparation and training for the swift response to the attack.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prompt. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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