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
When ready to use, let frosting stand at room temperature until soft and spreadable. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025 In other words, don't go knocking on doors unless your neighbors are ready for it. Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
Here’s how to ready them for the cold. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025 Lily Allen is readying her return with West End Girl, her first studio album in seven years. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 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
  • Those willing to put in the time (and those who aren't easily wigged out) may find to their confused delight that Tippett is the maddest creative god of them all.
    Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Whether the President will be willing to shift gears, which even some of his traditional Republican allies are suggesting, is unclear.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Most of the song, the pre-chorus, chorus, all that stuff, that was really quick.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That being said, some travel essentials stay packed and ready—the gear, gadgets, and go-tos that make every trip that much easier.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2025
  • With Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy back, things have gotten a lot easier for Kelce.
    Mark Kern, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At the beginning of the week, prepare foods like bean burritos or steamed vegetables to add to salads.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Graduates complete the program prepared to join the workforce of intelligence professionals.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Today, scientists are still studying its properties, and the high priests of the antisugar brigade are still condemning it, while its romantic and even erotic reputation remains well fortified by Valentine’s Day.
    Aleksandra Crapanzano, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the All’s Fair actress and soon-to-be-attorney has been quietly fortifying her Hidden Hills compound.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But the singer is prepared to show fans that both sides of her sound can coexist, with a little help from Lady Gaga.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Duffy, however, added that the absences were isolated, and the agency is prepared to slow air traffic as needed to meet controller staffing levels.
    John Tufts, Freep.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Harrison would have been glad of the assist, too.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The decision, announced Friday, was made in close consultation with Britain’s King Charles III, who is believed to be glad at the outcome, while Prince William and other members of the royal family were also consulted on the discussions, CNN understands.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Ready.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ready. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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