ready 1 of 2

1
as in go
being in a state of fitness for some experience or action after studying for months, she felt ready for the bar exam

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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ready

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ready contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ready are apt, prompt, and quick. While all these words mean "able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability," ready suggests facility or fluency in response.

backed by a pair of ready assistants

When is it sensible to use apt instead of ready?

The meanings of apt and ready 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

Where would prompt be a reasonable alternative to ready?

While in some cases nearly identical to ready, prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response.

prompt emergency medical care

When is quick a more appropriate choice than ready?

The words quick and ready can be used in similar contexts, but quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power.

quick reflexes
a keen quick mind

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 ready
Adjective
So many of my current favorite shoe trends—including boat shoes and flat, strappy sandals—are in the mix and ready to punch up your next outfit. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 30 June 2025 Hayden Hackney Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney looks ready to make the jump from the Championship to the Premier League. Carl Anka, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Verb
The message comes as the Trump administration appears to be readying the military to potentially aid Israel in its assault against Iran. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 18 June 2025 The first full-time Waldorf Astoria residents have already moved in, and the hotel is readying for its grand opening this summer. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ready
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ready
Adjective
  • If the Cowboys opt for the poison preferred recently by Carolina, Evans — Tampa Bay’s career receiving yardage leader — could conduct a go-route clinic.
    Joey Knight, Dallas News, 14 Jan. 2023
  • This is my new go-spring treat for sunny afternoons and porch-chair traveling.
    Kim Sunée, Anchorage Daily News, 22 Apr. 2021
Adjective
  • As Tolbert said, fit is less important than joining a club that’s willing to develop and guide the player down his own path.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
  • Try as some teams might, there just don’t seem to be enough willing trade partners until after the draft, which takes place during next week’s All-Star break.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The swarm — hundreds of small earthquakes hitting the same area in quick succession — started around 1:30 a.m.
    Sarah Lynch Baldwin July 9, CBS News, 9 July 2025
  • But even countries far from Beijing are making quick shifts.
    Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The easiest gauge is body composition every two weeks.
    Tor Constantino, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • But gamblers are required to keep up with their losses themselves—and the IRS often asks them to back up those claims, something that’s not always easy.
    Chris Morris, Fortune, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Consider personally submitting your tax payment to the IRS after your CPA has prepared them, review your tax returns every year.
    Anne-Lyse Ngatta, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Whole spelt berries work well in breakfast cereal, soups, or side dishes, and can be prepared like rice or risotto.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Both cow's milk and oat milk may be fortified with vitamins A and D, so check the label for vitamin content.8 Vitamin A: Helps to keep the skin and eyes healthy.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 12 July 2025
  • Khan, by contrast, is being tasked with a narrower but highly strategic mission: fortifying Apple's supply chain, localizing production, and driving environmental accountability.
    Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Audubon painted a pair of the birds based on skins (prepared specimens) and named the species for Bachman.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
  • Place tortilla slices on prepared baking sheet and coat lightly with cooking spray.
    Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Suzie Whitelaw, founder of Save Our Beaches San Clemente, was glad to hear the two-year study was back on track, after emergency work needs slowed progress.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • In that moment, Lindsey recalls being surrounded by loved ones, and glad to know what happened to her little girl.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 13 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Ready.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ready. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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