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prompt

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adjective

prompt

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noun

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
Tariff policy reversals including a 90-day pause on the previous 145-percent tariffs slapped on Chinese goods resulted in a recovery from Asia, as well as the softened import tax on formerly de minimis-eligible goods, prompted a brief spike in trans-Pacific tonnage via air. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 29 May 2025 Those efforts wreaked havoc on federal workers and prompted a litany of lawsuits seeking to rein in Musk’s chainsaw, many of them questioning the legality of DOGE's sweeping access to confidential data and the dismantling of agencies. Nik Popli, Time, 29 May 2025
Adjective
The physics got intense enough that Welcher at one point asked permission to use a calculator to solve a formula prompt from Alessi. Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 28 May 2025 Among the most common forms of chatbot exploits, prompt injections are embedded into content a chatbot is asked to work with, such as an email to be answered, a calendar to consult, or a webpage to summarize. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 23 May 2025
Noun
The cop tapped the screen until the security prompt appeared. Rich Cohen, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025 Robotic Arm Settings > Enable Robotic Arm, or press the button labeled Remote Control to Pick Up on the main device page, then follow the prompts. PC Magazine, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prompt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prompt
Verb
  • Rodriguez has been charged by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with the murder of foreign officials, causing death through the use of a firearm and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, the district attorney's office said.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • Sepsis is caused by an overactive immune response to infection.
    Michael L. Millenson, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Trump met personally with the GOP conference that morning, urging them to stop pushing for more changes and get behind the bill.
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Whether to get some space from his inanity, be able to spend more time with her ex-boyfriend, or simply encourage him to be a person, Tammy urges Craig to make friends with Austin (Paul Rudd), the affable evening news weatherman who moves in down the street.
    Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • This technique does not meet our bar for immediate servicing as a user must provide consent to the application before any access is allowed.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 30 May 2025
  • There was an immediate sense of trust, Burgos remembers.
    Griselda Flores, Billboard, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Shooting victim Sarah Milgrim remembered as 'a light' who fought antisemitism Israeli Embassy shooting: See the scene Real quick All American Rejects singer explains what's up with viral pop-up shows.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Eventually, after getting their runner-up medals, United’s team did applaud the crowd during a quick circle of their half of the pitch.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • But the Thunder’s utter dismantling of the Wolves in five games should serve as a reminder of the two-way wrecking ball that this team is.
    Kelly Iko, New York Times, 1 June 2025
  • The Seven of Pentacles is a gentle reminder that great things take time.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Ronaldo’s post on social media on Monday, when Al Nassr played the final match of their season, then created more conversation.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Defense created easy offense and in the halfcourt, the ball skipped around.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • There is no fee to nominate and self-nominations are encouraged.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
  • Inner reflection is encouraged with Mercury in Gemini.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Suspect Elias Rodriguez, of Chicago, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in a swift reaction to the apparent antisemitic attack.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • This surge reflects growing investor confidence in NuScale’s distinctive position within the nuclear energy industry, propelled by rising electricity demand amid the AI boom and the swift progression of global electrification.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prompt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prompt. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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