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 From there, a cast of charming characters come through including his honey-toting father, quick-witted uncle, and a rollicking cast that includes Deidrich Bader, David Krumholtz, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Juicy J, Phil Lamarr, Kevin Smith, Martin Starr, Tony Revolori, and more. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 3 May 2025 This coming-of-age drama is the story of Melody Brooks, a quick-witted, non-verbal sixth grader with cerebral palsy who uses a wheelchair. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 1 May 2025 The vocalist whose acerbic, quick-witted persona on X has become one of his calling cards was at it again a few weeks ago when asked which act will open up his and brother Noel Gallagher’s shows in South America in November. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 May 2025 This inspiring, coming-of-age drama is the story of Melody Brooks, a quick-witted, non-verbal sixth grader with cerebral palsy who uses a wheelchair. Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for quick-witted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick-witted
Adjective
  • By freeing physicians from the need to be behind their computers during appointments, these intelligent assistants enable a more personal and engaging interaction with patients.
    Rakhee Langer, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Designing the Future of AI Artificial intelligence is powering a new generation of tools that combine logic with intelligent action.
    William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • The 76 gasoline brand, after all, evokes the patriotism of 1776 — a clever marketing ploy.
    Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • Charlie Davis Season: 46 Placed: 2nd If Q was the hurricane blowing through Survivor 46, Davis was a source of calm geniality at the center, constantly quoting Taylor Swift songs while obscuring his careful, clever gameplay.
    Ben Rosenstock, Time, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • My family doctor sometimes gets me good care through sub-specialists — few actual doctors, but nonetheless smart people.
    Charles Hammer, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025
  • The organization will help fund new ideas in smart home technologies, energy efficiency, digitization, safety and more.
    Jennifer Bradley Franklin, USA Today, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • The original rat killer Published April 25, 2007 With one quick flick of his wrist, Scott Mellanby felled a rodent and became part of South Florida sports lore.
    Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
  • No matter how small your business, here is a quick blueprint for strengthening your defense against common cyber threats: Start with the basics.
    Harry Kazakian, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) (a condition with lightheadedness and a fast heart rate when changing to a standing position) Types of Migraine The two main types of migraine are:4 Migraine without aura.
    Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 3 June 2025
  • Of course, it’s not wrapped in just any tortilla, this one is extra special as it’s inspired by the fast food giant’s famous biscuits.
    Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Every sports league is better with a bad guy, and Reese subtly demeaning Clark is a brilliant marketing ploy.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2025
  • Herbert works hard and plays hard — especially when his kids are out of town at camp, like Capricorns do, with his beautiful and brilliant wife, Lisa, by his side.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • There has been a sharp rise in the demand for high-bandwidth memory, which is utilized alongside GPUs for AI applications, leading to a nearly 50% sequential increase in HBM memory revenue over the last quarter as production scales up.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Visual China Group | Getty Images China's manufacturing activity in May shrank at its fastest pace since September 2022, a private survey showed Tuesday, as a sharper decline in new export orders highlighted the impact of prohibitive U.S. tariffs.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quick-witted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick-witted. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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