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

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples 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 Based on a British series of the same name, entertainers, political figures and comedians will appear as guests for quick-witted conversation and games. Lisa Respers France, CNN, 14 Sep. 2024 Warm, inviting and quick-witted, Diane Rutherford's life seemed tied to her belief in the value of connection. Christina Avery, The Arizona Republic, 14 Aug. 2024 The series about a quick-witted outlaw in 18th century England, which was the storied British scribe’s first for a streamer, launched several months back. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 July 2024 Her perfect blend of mean, funny, and quick-witted commentary taking down people who act awful online has brought her over eight million followers on TikTok and one million on Instagram. Moises Mendez Ii, TIME, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for quick-witted 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick-witted
Adjective
  • These group dynamics and cooperation efforts are part of what makes meerkats so intelligent.
    Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Companies are eager to tap into the productivity AI offers: ServiceNow, which provides end to-end intelligent workflow automation platform solutions for digital businesses has recently adopted AI agents, a move that has boosted subscription revenue by 23%.
    Nizan Geslevich Packin, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Other clever design touches are everywhere, from plastic guyline clips made from a material that won’t crack even in temperatures as low as negative 60 Fahrenheit, to wraparound snowflaps that enable you to set the tent up without stakes in deep snow.
    Wes Siler, Outside Online, 6 Nov. 2024
  • She’s built a clever brand for herself now as the nice grandma who knows everything there is to know about rose gardens but also has done hard time and is friends with Snoop.
    Constance Grady, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • That was a smart play, because his impact was necessary, not only in creating zone-coverage looks in the pass game, but also as a running back and pass catcher.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • The company continues to focus on its strategy of providing energy and smart home solutions, supported by its recent acquisition of Vivint Smart Home (NRG).
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Don’t be too quick to buy into something that is a fleeting desire.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • This video raises a lot of questions, many of which commenters on the video were quick to point out.
    Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Last week, bond yields surged on expectations that President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to lower tax rates, increase tariffs and reduce regulation could ultimately lead to higher U.S. government debt and inflation, along with faster economic growth.
    Alex Veiga, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
  • The Food and Drug Administration said in an update that the number of people sickened by the fast food bacteria outbreak has climbed from 90 to 104.
    Melvin Backman, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In his mind, Wiley was a brilliant eccentric whose lifestyle seemed somehow exempt from social norms.
    Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The series’ third, and final, season concluded in 2023 with a brilliant sendoff—and the whole series is available to watch now.
    Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Washington could’ve been sharper on that possession — Jayden Daniels missed an open receiver on a crosser one play before the Ekeler drop.
    Greg Rosenstein, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Since 2000, there has been a sharp increase in pediatric cannabis calls to the nation’s poison centers.
    Dr. Jerrold B. Leikin, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near quick-witted

Cite this Entry

“Quick-witted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick-witted. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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