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 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 Skeleton Crew stars Jude Law as a quick-witted space pirate who has mastered the all-powerful force and befriends a group of children trying to find their way home after getting lost in the galaxy. Caroline Reid, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quick-witted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick-witted
Adjective
  • By automating the most repetitive, time-consuming tasks with intelligent, autonomous AI employees, Artisan is redefining what productivity looks like for go-to-market teams.
    Dasha Shunina, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • 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
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
  • In warmer climates, for example, the liquid expands and contracts more rapidly, which can lead to a quicker extraction of flavors from the barrel.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • App Store updates Those looking for apps in the App Store can see summaries from user reviews to get a quick look at what others are saying, Apple said.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For those smaller players, staying afloat with the new tariffs will likely involve some fast, creative and strategic cost-cutting.
    Kim Severson, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Sacramento County heath inspectors shut down a local fast food restaurant, a doughnut shop and other eateries due to cockroaches, rodents and sewer issues.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 4 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
  • Nemesis is the story of two men on either side of the law, the tale of what happens when an unstoppable force, expert criminal Coltrane Wilder (Noel), meets an immovable object, brilliant police detective Isaiah Stiles (Law).
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Even at such a low price, this unit is packed with features and performance, including a wide 180 degree viewing angle, sharp 2K video, smart object detection and more.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
  • After the sharp drop this Thursday/Friday, the S&P 500 was down nearly 12% YTD (as of midday Friday) and 18% off all-time highs due to fears on stagflation and worries over the Trump Administration’s newest tariff policies.
    Randy Watts, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 2025.

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