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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 As a student of astrology and as a Gemini sun—curious, quick-witted, charming with a penchant for dialectical analysis—who better to engage in this purely scientific endeavor? Maya Layne, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2025 The airline often shares puns and quick-witted replies on its X account. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 The best way to describe the bag is by characterizing your quick-witted, polished, and Post-it-note-loving older sister. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025 The living twin, who describes himself as not the most quick-witted or ambitious person, couldn’t always relate to his brother. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quick-witted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick-witted
Adjective
  • Untangling a relationship with SpaceX Some of the most intelligent questions came from US Sen. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2025
  • As generative AI continues to mature, the convergence of language models with mechanical design and control optimization points toward a future of mass customization and intelligent automation, where commanding a robot may be as simple as describing it.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The lingo, the faces, the concerns – all seemed, if not entirely authentic, then at least clever enough to create some backstage buzz.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Just make sure your clever solution doesn’t create additional fire hazards i.e. don’t hide cords under a rug.
    Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The style is a challenge: should their comedy be smart and savvy or broad and easy-going?
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Light enough to layer over tights or leggings in colder weather, these pants are a smart choice for sightseeing or hiking in rainy conditions, but they can easily be dressed up with a cute blouse or blazer.
    Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • One of the fundamental advantages of AI is its ability to transform lengthy but foundational work, like research and gathering insights, into shorter projects with quick reviews and iterations.
    Anirban Datta, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Here’s how the playoff picture looks: Two quick takeaways here: Multiple seeds in the Western Conference were up for grabs entering yesterday’s games.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • John Taylor, mayor of New Fairview, told the committee that Wise County is one of the fastest growing counties in Texas with a 20% population increase since 2020.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2025
  • With their previous home sold and their third child on the way, Dallas designer Lisa Henderson and her husband, Luke, needed to find a new house—and fast.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That warrants definite watching to see if yet another brilliant scheme by Kyle and Kamilla can take hold.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In his brilliant opening round 65, DeChambeau gained 3.7 strokes putting, nearly double his previous career-best number.
    Justin Ray, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Such a sharp rise in yield, which corresponds to a sharp drop in price, is unusual, and signaled a broad shift away from U.S. markets, with the U.S. dollar falling in tandem.
    Joe Rennison, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Such a sharp rise in government bond yields over a period of weeks is relatively unusual.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quick-witted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quick-witted. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on quick-witted

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!