READY Synonyms: 282 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'ready' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ready are apt , prompt , and quick . While all these words mean "able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability," ready suggests facility or fluency in response. // backed by a pair of ready assistants

Q: When is it sensible to use 'apt' instead of 'ready'?

The meanings of apt and ready 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

Q: Where would 'prompt' be a reasonable alternative to 'ready'?

While in some cases nearly identical to ready , prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response. // prompt emergency medical care

Q: When is 'quick' a more appropriate choice than 'ready'?

The words quick and ready can be used in similar contexts, but quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power. // quick reflexes // a keen quick mind

ready 1 of 2

adjective

ˈre-dē

Definition of ready next

as in go

being in a state of fitness for some experience or action after studying for months, she felt ready for the bar exam

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in willing

having a desire or inclination (as for a specified course of action) I'm ready to help, if I can

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as in quick

having or showing the ability to respond without delay or hesitation had a ready response to every one of her objections regarding the feasibility of the plan

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as in easy

involving minimal difficulty or effort we're hoping you have a ready solution to our networking problem

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ready

2 of 2

verb

as in to prepare

to make competent (as by training, skill, or ability) for a particular office or function this advanced course should ready him for college

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as in to arrange

to make ready in advance we can ready the desserts for the party a day in advance

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as in to fortify

to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally the basketball players sat quietly in the locker room, readying themselves for the final game of the season

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ready contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ready are apt, prompt, and quick. While all these words mean "able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability," ready suggests facility or fluency in response.

backed by a pair of ready assistants

When is it sensible to use apt instead of ready?

The meanings of apt and ready 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

Where would prompt be a reasonable alternative to ready?

While in some cases nearly identical to ready, prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response.

prompt emergency medical care

When is quick a more appropriate choice than ready?

The words quick and ready can be used in similar contexts, but quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power.

quick reflexes

a keen quick mind

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 ready

Adjective

Like a good tomato sandwich, this can be juicy, so have napkins ready or just eat it over the sink. —

Margaret Eby, Bon Appétit, 5 Feb. 2025 Donovan sounded like a man ready to see something new. —

Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025

Verb

Some schools are readying educators and immigrant families for a potential wave of deportations. —

Pat McCusker, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025 Trump, 78, has already been busy readying his administration for a second term, having already named most of his Cabinet nominees and several other White House positions. —

Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ready

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ready

Adjective

If the Cowboys opt for the poison preferred recently by Carolina, Evans — Tampa Bay’s career receiving yardage leader — could conduct a go-route clinic.

— Joey Knight, Dallas News, 14 Jan. 2023
This is my new go-spring treat for sunny afternoons and porch-chair traveling.

— Kim Sunée, Anchorage Daily News, 22 Apr. 2021