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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
Create instant videos with sound from text prompts. Bruna Horvath, NBC news, 30 July 2025 The prompt is largely in his words, with tweaks for detail where needed. Suzi Morales, Parents, 29 July 2025
Adjective
Failure to do so, the president said, would prompt punishing new economic measures, among them secondary sanctions on nations doing business with Moscow. David Brennan, ABC News, 29 July 2025 The tool prompts users to perform neurological tests in their own homes that involve speech, facial expression and finger movements A tool accessible via smart home devices can help diagnose people with Parkinson’s disease. Raven Brunner, People.com, 29 July 2025
Noun
This recall follows a series of other recent product recalls at major U.S. retailers, including Target, involving food items, nursery furniture, and additional home goods, underscoring ongoing risks for American consumers and the importance of prompt recall compliance. Matt Cannon, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025 Behind the scenes, the agent is trained to resist prompt injection attacks-malicious attempts to manipulate its behavior via web content-and OpenAI has layered multiple safeguards to prevent hallucinations, missteps, and misuse. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for prompt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prompt
Verb
  • The Louisville Fire Department's budget allocation is causing disagreement between the firefighters union and city officials.
    Lillian Metzmeier, The Courier-Journal, 22 July 2025
  • Particles from wildfire smoke can cause minor symptoms, such as mild eye or throat irritation, or more serious heart and lung issues in some cases, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Residents are urged to exercise caution, stay hydrated, and be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
    Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 22 July 2025
  • Donald Trump has also publicly stated his opposition to breaking encrypted communications, publicly urging the prime minister Kier Starmer not to introduce such measures.
    Barry Collins, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • An overwhelming majority of the world's climate scientists have stressed that an immediate reduction in the burning of fossil fuels, including coal, is imperative to averting the worst consequences of climate change, including extreme heat, more powerful storms and deadly floods.
    Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 30 July 2025
  • First, there are a spate of short-term projects intended to alleviate the immediate stress for passengers.
    Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, use this time to wind down maybe by stretching, reading, journaling or even doing a quick emotional check-in.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • The latest of the spacecraft, known as sounding rockets, most recently made a successful quick trip to space to study one of the most complex regions of the sun's atmosphere following a New Mexico launch.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • My involvement has solely consisted of occasional reminders to water and applying fertilizer every so often.
    Caleb Harris, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
  • As reported, Demna’s first show for the Italian brand will be next March, with his September presentation more of a reminder of Gucci’s foundations.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • Complete the Look Banana Republic Factory Linen-Blend Quilted Jumpsuit A set of coveralls like this linen-blend style can create a stylish no-fuss outfit.
    Rylee Johnston, People.com, 27 July 2025
  • Before Colorado created its wildlife crossing mitigation system, drivers along that stretch of I-25 crashed into an average of one wild animal per day trying to pass through the highway corridor.
    Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Community members are encouraged to see the stadium before the start of the 2025 football season.
    Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 25 July 2025
  • During his latter stint on the council, Spelman called on Austin police to reevaluate how officers spent their time and encouraged the city to consider alternative programs to reduce crime.
    Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • The swift decline of Vidalia Mills in Louisiana—if it can even be said to have truly taken off—is a telling example.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 July 2025
  • If the governor opens the door to these projects, the blowback will be swift, vocal, and impossible to ignore.
    Laura Shindell, New York Daily News, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prompt. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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