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

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 During the interviews, she's known for her quick-witted and flirty approach, but her interview with Garfield has been super anticipated because of their existing chemistry. Athena Sobhan, People.com, 18 Oct. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for quick-witted 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick-witted
Adjective
  • Every effort is a step toward raising emotional intelligent children.
    Kelsey Mora, Contributor, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2024
  • By using sound location detection, intelligent voiceprint as well as face, body, and lip recognition technology, Connect tracks the speaker and keeps them center stage with great accuracy.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The deadlock was finally broken just before half-time as a clever pass from Yildiz found Vlahovic, who controlled it on the turn and slotted it between the ‘keeper’s legs.
    Adam Digby, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • For port days, there are shore excursions that cater to families, and the rooms have several clever arrangements like a bunk that comes out of the ceiling.
    Esther Carlstone, Parents, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Smart money is on those building a future that includes a smart shorts programming strategy.
    Paul Pastor, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
  • In response, social media companies’ algorithms to detect drug-selling behavior are getting smarter and are aggregating images and emojis, Fuller says.
    Mattha Busby, WIRED, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Short books to read to meet your reading goal Need a short book to cap off your 2024 reading or a quick, immersive read to get you out of a reading slump?
    Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
  • That makes for quick, sightless control of both radio volume and climate temperature.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This approach not only helps companies save time and resources but also enhances the experience for job seekers by providing them with faster feedback and a smoother hiring journey.
    Grace Butler, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
  • At the tail end of the last millennium, the fastest, most powerful road cars went by a magnificent superlative: supercar.
    Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Sherwood then iced the game with a brilliant defensive play while protecting the late 2-0 lead.
    Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Waning crescent moon, Venus and Regulus Those on the East Coast who look up and to the east Sept. 19 about 45 minutes before sunrise will see a crescent moon, Venus and brilliant star Regulus aligned.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • BeReal, the social media app that championed authenticity, has been in sharp decline since its explosive growth in 2022.
    Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 11 Dec. 2024
  • The policy modestly increased subsidized enrollment in 2018 and 2019 after a sharp decline in 2017.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 11 Dec. 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 21 Dec. 2024.

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