Definitions

at the ready

ADJECTIVE

ready

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accessible apt handy qualified ripe

STRONG

adjusted anticipating arranged completed covered equipped fit near organized primed set waiting wired

WEAK

all set all systems go at beck and call at fingertips at hand champing at bit close to hand convenient equal to expectant fixed for in line in order in place in position in readiness in the saddle on call on hand on tap on the brink open to

Antonyms

STRONGEST

incapable unskilled

WEAK

unavailable uneducated unprepared unready untrained

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.

Days ahead of the Knicks’ championship-clinching Game 5 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, the alliance was already ordering the 1.25 tons of recycled shredded paper to have at the ready.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 17, 2026

“Elegant and cozy,” is how Jill describes her beloved East Wing office, with its view of the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden and a tea cart with ginger-lemon tea at the ready.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

The timing and details of any resolution are unknown, but investors may want to have a list of potential beneficiaries at the ready.

From Barron's • May 30, 2026

Abdullah took his job so seriously, Abdullahi said, that he would stand in the sun, always at the ready.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

While you will have your army at the ready in case Ghohg plays dirty tricks, do not forget that Ghohg will doubtless have his goblin army ready to attack us, too.

From "The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge" by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin

at the ready

Example Sentences

Related Words