smart as a whip

ADJECTIVE

quick

Synonyms

STRONGEST

able active deft effective keen ready sharp vigorous wise

STRONG

acute adept knowing prompt savvy slick whiz

WEAK

adroit all there apt astute bright canny capable clever competent dexterous discerning effectual intelligent nimble-witted on the ball perceptive perspicacious quick on the draw quick on the trigger quick on the uptake quick-witted receptive sharp as a tack shrewd skillful wired

Antonyms

STRONGEST

blunt dull idle ignorant impotent inactive ineffective inept lazy slow stupid unintelligent useless weak

STRONG

clumsy

WEAK

sluggish uneducated

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.

“She’s smart as a whip and she’s listening and trying to work on things that are pragmatic and having real impact on people in our community,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

“He’s smart as a whip, agile, super curious and an amazing broadcaster,” said news consultant Michael Clemente, Smith’s former boss at Fox News and a longtime ABC News executive.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 27, 2020

He’s smart as a whip and is already reading independently, but socially he’s just not there yet.

From Slate • Sep. 10, 2020

If Salt was its calm center, then Kidder was its wild child, hilariously witty and smart as a whip.

From The Guardian • May 14, 2018

He’s toting that hundred-dollar pistol what come from God-know-where, we know he’s smart as a whip, and we know he’s young, real young.

From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis

smart as a whip

Example Sentences

Related Words