PDQ

adverb

ˌpē-(ˌ)dē-ˈkyü How to pronounce PDQ (audio)
Definition of PDQnext
as in promptly
without delay the boss wants the report, and he wants it PDQ

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for PDQ
  1. promptly
  2. immediately
  3. now
  4. instantly
  5. directly
  6. shortly
  7. quickly
Adverb
  • Then police promptly show up to their home and arrest Philip, leaving Lucy desperate for answers.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Other ways to reduce flares in the summer include wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics to minimize friction and sweat accumulation on plaques, showering promptly after sweating, and applying emollients to maintain your skin barrier.
    — Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of promptly
Adverb
  • Reading it immediately quells, or at least quelled my own, paranoia at being alone in the middle of the forest—nobody is getting got here, there’s a gate that only opens if the concierge approves of your face, voice, and name.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The relationship of the women, both 28, to the child was not immediately clear.
    — Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of immediately
Adverb
  • His choice to funnel info about Ariana to her ex has left him on the outs with most of the group, who now won’t even answer his messages about his photo shoot.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
  • With funding now threatened, Duncan fears that programs serving underserved schools could be cut, saying that the money is invaluable to Los Angeles.
    — Hunter Sowards, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of now
Adverb
  • Enrollment in that program is automatic for all gig workers and taxi drivers, with benefits paid for through a passenger surcharge collected instantly via fares.
    — Jacob Lederman, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Twenty years in, there’s no denying that the city’s distinct and instantly recognizable fashion sense has impacted the way the fashion world gets dressed both on- and off-duty.
    — Kelsey Stewart, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of instantly
Adverb
  • Company executives believe bringing fuel directly to fleet yards could remove that barrier.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The organization does not tolerate any actions that directly contradict the values and policies of the Fraternity and holds strict rulings against members and chapters that violate Fraternity expectations and the law.
    — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of directly
Adverb
  • The list of officers barred from testifying ballooned from just 66 in March 2023 to 290 in October 2024, shortly before then-Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx left office.
    — Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The pair’s attendance at Smith-Schuster and Kruk’s ceremony shortly came after their own at Madison Square Garden on Friday, July 3.
    — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortly
Adverb
  • Milošević, in her UFC debut, earned a $100,000 performance bonus for her dominant victory, quickly setting her sights on future fights in the 135-pound division.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • However, prison staff quickly intervened and separated both men, the outlet stated.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of quickly
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.

Browse Nearby Words

pay up
PDQ
peace
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“PDQ.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/PDQ. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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