as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind the quick-witted child easily figured out the trick to making the toy work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word quick-witted distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of quick-witted are alert, clever, and intelligent. While all these words mean "mentally keen or quick," quick-witted implies promptness in finding answers in debate or in devising expedients in moments of danger or challenge.

no match for his quick-witted opponent

When is alert a more appropriate choice than quick-witted?

Although the words alert and quick-witted have much in common, alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding.

alert to new technology

When is it sensible to use clever instead of quick-witted?

While the synonyms clever and quick-witted are close in meaning, clever implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities.

clever with words

Where would intelligent be a reasonable alternative to quick-witted?

The synonyms intelligent and quick-witted are sometimes interchangeable, but intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems.

an intelligent person could assemble it fast

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-witted Spencer turned herself into a household name at just 11 years old, playing the sassy and quick-witted Dee Thomas. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025 But no one says it better than Patrick Renna, who originated the line as the trash-talking, quick-witted, and unapologetic character Ham Porter. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 29 July 2025 The timing is serendipitous for Johnson, whose comedic fast lane accelerated yet again last month when a YouTube clip of a recent tour stop went viral for his quick-witted take on loneliness among men. Cathy Applefeld Olson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 Gemini is quick-witted and especially curious, making matters of love all the more thrilling and fun. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for quick-witted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick-witted
Adjective
  • For organizations that are serious about modernizing their platforms and adopting AI to drive efficiency and growth, intelligent archiving should be a core part of their digital transformation and data readiness strategies.
    Sean Nathaniel, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting— and one of the finest actors ever.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Hacking a pre-Internet console Making this amusing amalgam of past and present technology possible required some clever engineering.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
  • If so, its still a quick and clever method for styling a bun in a pinch.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Meta also introduced a new pair of smart glasses made in collaboration with Oakley designed for high-performance sportspeople.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Meta has been developing its smart glasses with eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica since 2019, and last year renewed a long-term partnership agreement to continue making the products.
    Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, a quick review of the central bank’s dot plot underscores just how divided the Fed Governors are on the question of whether to cut interest rates (and by how much) over the next 12 months.
    Paul Weinstein Jr, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Changing your own wipers is quick and easy.
    Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As demand for electricity surged to power more electric devices in homes and Big Tech's boom in data centers, renewable energy has been the go-to source for the cheapest, fastest way to generate more juice.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Starlink offers the fastest speeds, Hughesnet has the most affordable plans, and Viasat provides a middle ground with wide availability.
    Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was also the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year after a brilliant first season.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • My time there was so brilliant.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Starring Kaitlin Olson as Morgan Gillory, a single mother whose genius-level IQ lands her a consulting role with the LAPD, the series blends sharp humor with high-stakes investigations.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Slices of lusciously marbled brisket have a sharp, peppery bark, and the pork ribs are tinged pink with smoke straight down to the bone.
    Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quick-witted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick-witted. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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