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.

And if you’re ever hit with a layoff, it’s better to have a sharp profile at the ready than to attempt an emergency makeover.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

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

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

First let's have a look at what's around this summer if you want to make a weekend of it; sleeping bag and tent at the ready.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The worst crime you could commit as a Persian human is to not have hot tea, pastries, cucumbers, nuts, and a basket of fruit at the ready when someone enters your house.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

at the ready

Example Sentences

Related Words