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

The airline often shares puns and quick-witted replies on its X account. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

The best way to describe the bag is by characterizing your quick-witted, polished, and Post-it-note-loving older sister. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025

The living twin, who describes himself as not the most quick-witted or ambitious person, couldn’t always relate to his brother. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2025

Skeleton Crew stars Jude Law as a quick-witted space pirate who has mastered the all-powerful force and befriends a group of children trying to find their way home after getting lost in the galaxy. —Caroline Reid, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025

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