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 On Wednesday June 5, cameras will begin rolling on Private Eyes West Coast, the light crime drama for Global that reunites Priestley and Sampson as quick-witted sleuths Matt Shade and Angie Everett from the original Private Eyes in a new Canadian West Coast location. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 May 2025 Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, Gilmore Girls The coolest mother and daughter in Stars Hollow have become a streaming mainstay thanks to their quick-witted banter — and early-aughts New England style. Lindy Segal, People.com, 29 May 2025 The sign is a ride-or-die pal, clever, quick-witted, and accepting. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 16 May 2025 The musician, who rose to fame on the arm of quick-witted bars, released back-to-back flute albums in 2023, surprising fans and critics alike who were impressed by his skills as a flautist. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for quick-witted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quick-witted
Adjective
  • Operation Bounce House follows Oliver Lewis, a colonist on the planet New Sonora, who leads a simple life on his family ranch, playing with his band and tending to his family's selection of intelligent agriculture bots.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Although not specifically marketed as a pet camera, the Eufy E220 is a budget-friendly indoor home security camera packed with typically more high-end features, including remote pan and tilt, sharp 2K video footage, automatic motion tracking, and intelligent motion and sound detection.
    Cierra Cowan July 11, PC Magazine, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Light, clever, and just leftfield enough to feel like a proper find.
    Lela London, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Dubno’s novel sounds equally thoughtful and nasty, clever and juicy and full of great drama.
    Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • If you’re just getting started with rebounding and want something compact and easy to use (that doesn’t cost a small fortune), here’s a smart entry point.
    Jordan Galloway, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • If your primary goal is to maximize workspace while ensuring your computer can grow with your needs, a mini-PC paired with a quality monitor is a smarter, longer-lasting solution.
    Ken Colburn, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • And 3) The other social media platforms have been quick to allow the swap.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025
  • Chicago police and City Hall officials were quick to note that the shooting was targeted and the victims didn’t live in the neighborhood.
    Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • These strategic moves could reshape how fast renewable power is deployed, who controls it, and whether communities benefit equitably.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • If you're not already enrolled, sign up for a free 30-day trial to enjoy exclusive deals, fast and free shipping, and more.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The growing number of robots in its warehouses is yet more evidence of this brilliant truth.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • My graduate school advisor, the brilliant Mary Sheriff, always insisted that scholarship had to follow the object, not the other way around.
    Libby Buck July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Recovery time, quiet and solitude and stepping away from the noise isn’t a luxury, but a fundamental part of intentional recovery for leaders to stay sharp and show up strong.
    Julia Rafal-Baer, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • The sharper that angle is the faster the Earth orbits, with lunar gravity in this case speeding things up, countering the braking effect that lunar apogee usually applies.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 July 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 18 Jul. 2025.

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