quick 1 of 3

adjective

ˈkwik How to pronounce quick (audio)
Definition of quicknext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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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3
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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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5
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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6
as in gone
archaic containing unborn young within the body a woman quick with child

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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
Specifically, quick-dry sheets. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026 Beijing’s municipal government was quick to highlight that Manus was created by a local tech company called Beijing Red Butterfly Technology. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
Adverb
Finding the right waterproof sandal is key, where quick-drying materials, durability, and customized comfort reign supreme. —Lara Kramer, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026 Keeping younger fans more engaged is crucial, Ricketts said, by making the game quicker and emphasizing star power, not just on his own team but across the league. —Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
The left-arm quick picked up the invaluable wicket of Virat Kohli, widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in history, who went out facing his first ball, and then Netravalkar got the wicket of India captain Rohit Sharma. —Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 12 June 2024 Stress hormones flood your system, making your heart pound, your blood pressure rise, your breath quicks, your thoughts race…and none of it is super conducive to feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. —Anna Borges, SELF, 21 Dec. 2023 See All Example Sentences for quick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick
  1. swift
  2. fast
  3. rapid
  4. keen
  5. gone
  6. quickly
  7. heart
  8. willing
Adjective
  • Thanks to Secret Service for swift, decisive action This event sparked several high-ranking Texas leaders to take to social media to comment on the situation.
    — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The North Carolina Republican’s decision sets the stage for Warsh’s swift confirmation to succeed Powell, whose term ends on May 15.
    — Caitlin Reilly, Bloomberg, 26 Apr. 2026
Definition of swift
Adjective
  • Berlin turned out to be too warm for a fast time, but Adidas and Sawe continued the arrangement this year.
    — Alex Hutchinson, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But there’s something incredibly unnatural about the fast attention of the internet.
    — Charlie Harding, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of fast
Adjective
  • Attendees donated blood and were provided free blood pressure readings, glucose screenings, rapid HIV testing and information on health and other resources available in the community.
    — Francine Knowles, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of rapid
Adjective
  • With tricky remaining fixtures, that 38 per cent probability could very easily increase by next week, but Nuno’s side will be keen to keep their destiny in their own hands for as long as possible.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
  • In London, other performance brands went to lengths to emphasize that their products aren’t just for runners and athletes, but for anyone keen to move and support those involved.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2026
Definition of keen
Adjective
  • Room by room, the author takes us through the house, now long gone.
    — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Retaining Hall, 39, keeps one familiar face from Dart’s rookie year on the offensive side of the building for his second NFL season, with Brian Daboll, Mike Kafka and Shea Tierney all long gone.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026
Definition of gone
Adverb
  • Trump, along with the first lady and top Cabinet officials, was quickly whisked away.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Opponents will learn about his violent play style very quickly.
    — Dane Brugler, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of quickly
Noun
  • Kristin Arielle Oliver passed away in June 2020 at the age of 31 after battling a rare heart cancer that required many blood transfusions.
    — Francine Knowles, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The centrality of the extra-long flyback chronograph seconds hand (in a straw-yellow color) nods to his belief that the watch is, at heart, an instrument.
    — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of heart
Adjective
  • These Knicks look more complete, more willing to sacrifice for one another.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The implication is that a figure willing to weaponize the debt crisis politically could reshape the electorate rapidly.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of willing

Browse Nearby Words

quibbling
quick
quicken
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Cite this Entry

“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on quick

Nglish: Translation of quick for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about quick

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