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

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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

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 ready

Adjective

The win at legendary Lambeau Field marked the first time the Lions played outside of a dome this season—and Coach Dan Campbell made sure his players were ready for all that Wisconsin might throw at them. —

Don Yaeger, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Or as ready as they can be given the circumstances. —

Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024

Verb

Cineflix is also readying Wynonna Earp: Vengeance for the international market, alongside the likes of Paramount+ UK drama The Burning Girls, Whitstable Pearl Season 3 and Last King of the Cross Season 2. —

Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2024 But before Musk's dream of crewed missions to Mars can happen, his company will first have to ready Starship to take astronauts from lunar orbit down to the moon as early as 2026. —

Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 15 Sep. 2024 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