quick-witted
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of quick-witted
Explanation
If you've got a knack for coming up with smart comments on the fly, you're quick-witted. The most quick-witted students in a class are often the first to raise their hands to answer the teacher's question (or to supply a sarcastic remark). Anyone whose mind is sharp can be called quick-witted, especially if they've got a great sense of humor and are speedy with a comeback. Being quick-witted is helpful during a debate or when you're playing a game with a time limit. Quick-witted comes from wit, which doesn't just mean "sense of humor," but also "intelligence."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A show spokesperson said: "Quick-witted Anne has been a brilliant host on this iconic show."
From BBC • May 2, 2022
The Bachelorette Quick-witted marketing manager Katie Thurston, who became an instant fan favorite on “The Bachelor,” is in the driver’s seat in this new season, filmed in New Mexico.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2021
Quick-witted, chaotic, a born entertainer and attention-seeker, Johnson is seen by many Conservatives as a politician who can win over floating voters and defeat rival parties on both the left and the right.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 20, 2019
Quick-witted and absurd, it’s kind of a perfect Conan mini-moment.
From Washington Post • Mar. 3, 2016
Quick-witted Patty chose just the tone that she knew would irritate him.
From Patty's Social Season by Wells, Carolyn
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
