quick-witted

adjective

quick-wit·​ted ˈkwik-ˈwi-təd 

: quick in perception and understanding : mentally alert

quick-wittedly adverb

quick-wittedness noun

Synonyms

• alert
• brainy
• bright
• brilliant
• clever
• exceptional
• fast
• hyperintelligent
• intelligent
• keen
• nimble
• quick
• sharp
• sharp-witted
• smart
• supersmart
• ultrasmart

Choose the Right Synonym for quick-witted

intelligent, clever, alert, quick-witted mean mentally keen or quick.

intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems.

an intelligent person could assemble it fast

clever implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities.

clever with words

alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding.

alert to new technology

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

Examples of quick-witted in a Sentence

the quick-witted child easily figured out the trick to making the toy work

Recent Examples on the Web

But her first big break came after a fantastic performance in the debut film of the woman who directed Bottoms, Emma Seligman, who gave the world a quick-witted and naturalistic depiction of Jewish family gatherings known as Shiva Baby. —Travis Bean, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024

Advertisement Rife is best known for his quick-witted crowd work, which earned him TikTok virality in 2022. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024

An instant hit, thanks in part to Shankar’s quick-witted asides, the show already boasts nearly 500,000 followers across social channels. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2024

Mercurial and quick-witted, Sofia seems determined to give Julian a run for his money. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

quick-witted

adjective

quick-wit·​ted

ˈkwik-ˈwit-əd

: quick in thinking and understanding : mentally alert

quick-wittedness noun