prompt 1 of 3

verb

ˈpräm(p)t How to pronounce prompt (audio)
Definition of promptnext
1
as in to cause
to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind) a misguided pride prompted the family to refuse all offers of help

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to urge
to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action prompted the reluctant performer onto the stage with loud cheers and whistles

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

prompt

2 of 3

adjective

1
as in immediate
done, carried out, or given without delay prompt treatment of snakebites is always advisable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in quick
having or showing the ability to respond without delay or hesitation our waiter was prompt and courteous despite the fact that the restaurant was understaffed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

prompt

3 of 3

noun

as in reminder

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective prompt contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of prompt are apt, quick, and ready. While all these words mean "able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability," prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response.

prompt emergency medical care

When is apt a more appropriate choice than prompt?

The meanings of apt and prompt largely overlap; however, apt stresses the possession of qualities (such as intelligence, a particular talent, or a strong bent) that makes quick effective response possible.

an apt student
her answer was apt and to the point

In what contexts can quick take the place of prompt?

Although the words quick and prompt have much in common, quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power.

quick reflexes
a keen quick mind

Where would ready be a reasonable alternative to prompt?

The words ready and prompt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ready suggests facility or fluency in response.

backed by a pair of ready assistants

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 prompt
Verb
The incident at Fort Lee High School prompted a massive police presence in the area and sent the school into lockdown, Superintendent Robert Kravitz said in a message posted on the school’s website. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025 The situation is so devastating that the military junta issued a rare plea for help, prompting foreign aid and international rescue teams to head to Myanmar. —Jade Walker, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
On its own, the prompt injection failed to sabotage a summary provided by Gemini. —ArsTechnica, 28 Mar. 2025 That core design is useful when the prompt text closely matches the kinds of things already found in a model's copious training data. —ArsTechnica, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
How to chat with an AI Instructions to an AI are called prompts. —Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 Doing so ensures that sensitive prompts don’t linger on servers. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prompt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prompt
  1. cause
  2. urge
  3. immediate
  4. quick
  5. reminder
  6. create
  7. encourage
  8. swift
Verb
  • And there’s a biological reason for it: Broken heart syndrome occurs when intense emotional stress causes your heart to temporarily stop pumping properly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting.
    — Kathleen Ferraro, SELF, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The tariff file has caused a high level of uncertainty both for consumers and businesses.
    — Robert Barone, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Definition of cause
Verb
  • Instead of immediately attempting to call off his rabid supporters, Trump sat on his hands as his supporters stormed the Capitol—even as members of his own party urged him to help.
    — Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Cal Newport, in his book Slow Productivity, challenges the pervasive culture of busyness, urging us to reject constant multitasking and return to work that is meaningful and rooted in quality.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of urge
Adjective
  • The Coach Prime effect was immediate: the Buffaloes sold out every home game last season.
    — Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025
  • There was some belief that when Trump’s tariffs went into effect at midnight the price impacts would be immediate, and some have already started to talk that way.
    — Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of immediate
Adjective
  • Polite start, quick stall Even after Trump was elected on the promise of high tariffs, relations with Beijing got off to a polite start.
    — Beijing and Washington Bureaus, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Telegraphed data arrived in the morning, and FitzRoy made quick extrapolations from his knowledge of storm theories, sending forecasts an hour later.
    — Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of quick
Noun
  • Keaton’s death was a reminder that not all the cases involved jails that outsourced medical care to private companies.
    — Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This latest escalation is a grim reminder: Russia was and remains the aggressor, in blatant violation of international law.
    — Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of reminder
Verb
  • The crisis has created a surge in patriotism among Canadians, with many in the country feeling that Carney is the best person to lead the country at the moment.
    — Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Legal scholars have said there is little legal precedent for Trump's war on Big Law, which has created a chilling effect across the legal community, and most will certainly have a chilling effect on his opponents who will need legal representation against him.
    — Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of create
Verb
  • Those who pick up the materials are encouraged to take a photo with their 988 sign, share it on their social media platforms and tag the Kane County Health Department to let their friends and family know that support is always available, according to the release.
    — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The Last of Us star got their first role in season 6 of Game of Thrones at 11 years old, and has their parents to thank for encouraging their career.
    — Makena Gera, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of encourage
Adjective
  • However, before things turned deadly, his wife jumped to his aid, saving his life with her swift actions, according to reports.
    — Sam Gillette, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The fallout at the Ivy League school has been swift – and the consequences will be enormous, scientists have warned.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of swift

Browse Nearby Words

promotions
prompt
prompted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prompt. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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