QUICK-WITTED Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

quick-witted

adjective

ˈkwik-ˈwi-təd

Definition of quick-witted next

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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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