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

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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

Example 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 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 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 See all Example Sentences for quick-witted 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick-witted
Adjective
  • The thing about Nickel Boys is its a film that is more intelligent than its maker.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The group argued that the elephants in the Colorado case, which were born in the wild in Africa, have displayed signs of brain damage because the zoo is essentially a prison for the intelligent and social animals that roam for miles a day in the wild.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • So, when the planet's insides are on the outside, spectroscopy offers a clever way to see within terrestrial worlds.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Soderbergh—doing his own cinematography, as often, under the pseudonym Peter Andrews—crafts a clever style to develop the identification of the camera’s gaze with that of the haunting spirit.
    Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But a good coach, a lot of good ideas, smart, good leadership.
    Charlotte Carroll, The Athletic, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Despite it being clearly established that Ariel is much smarter than she’s given credit for, her first impulse when things are at their worst is to run to the second floor of a house and trap herself in a bathroom.
    Chase Hutchinson, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Vikings extended O’Connell’s contract for multiple seasons, securing the coach who won 30 games quicker than any other coach in team history.
    Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Smoothies are a staple for quick, on-the-go meals or snacks, offering convenience and versatility to fit any lifestyle.
    Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2025, hiring will be faster and more efficient thanks to AI.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • And is this for the better or for worse? Chris Ward, the chief supply chain officer for the fast food burger chain spoke in a statement about the change.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Alexander Grothendieck, who was among the most brilliant mathematicians of the 20th century.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The highs and lows of that whirlwind experience are captured in brilliant detail on You Are the Morning, her debut album released on Friday (Jan. 17).
    Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The 180-degree rotating lens offers flexible projection angles, while electronic focus and automatic keystone correction ensure sharp images.
    StackCommerce Team (Sponsored), PCMAG, 22 Jan. 2025
  • His sharp business acumen, wisdom and strategic vision are a unique gift for me to be inspired and importantly to continue to learn and grow.
    Miles Socha, WWD, 22 Jan. 2025

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 31 Jan. 2025.

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