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

Relevance

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 The thriller series returns Sunday for its second season starring Justin Hartley as quick-witted survivalist Colter Shaw. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 13 Oct. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for quick-witted 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick-witted
Adjective
  • Besides maintaining control of one’s own emotions, an emotionally intelligent leader is aware of their team members’ emotions and motivations.
    Leen Kawas, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • So Far This is a world where fascism in Oz is taking hold, where fear and hatred is being promoted and the intelligent and wise speaking animals of Oz are having their voices silenced.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Amazon The best smart shades can be awfully expensive, but this clever retrofit gadget from Eve can make one of your existing roller blinds smart.
    Simon Hill, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2024
  • What’s also clever is that Mela has positioned itself as an accessible brand.
    Andrew Watman, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Its smart contract features have marked the beginning of a new era of functionality, making transactions more seamless and efficient for users worldwide.
    Jon Stojan, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The smart electric space heaters were sold online at Amazon.com, https://us.govee.com, the Govee Home App and TikTok Shop from September 2021-2024 for between $30 and $150.
    Katie Wiseman, The Courier-Journal, 22 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
  • Its lines—especially in profile—are emphatic yet simple, with subtle contours enhanced by delicate A and C pillars allowing expansive glass all around, one reason these cars are so brilliant to drive.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Larson adds a healthy dose of sarcasm to undercut her character’s immense power, and Jackson is eerily brilliant, making for a super fun 123 minutes.
    Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 21 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 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on quick-witted

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!