stopgap

noun

stop·​gap ˈstäp-ˌgap 

often attributive

: something that serves as a temporary expedient : makeshift

stopgap measures

Synonyms

• expedient
• makeshift

Choose the Right Synonym for stopgap

resource, resort, expedient, shift, makeshift, stopgap mean something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply.

resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon.

exhausted all of their resources

a last resort

expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

Examples of stopgap in a Sentence

The new law is intended only as a stopgap.

the coach we have now was only hired as a stopgap until someone with more experience is found

Recent Examples on the Web

Thomas Bryant and Tony Bradley were decent stopgaps, but a pick on a developmental center makes sense. —Law Murray, New York Times, 22 June 2025

But the temporary funding is only a stopgap until the city can create a plan to maintain the fire rings on its own. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025

His arrival is a stopgap, one that the Steelers hope will keep them competitive until a long-term solution arrives, most likely in the 2026 draft. —Will Graves, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025

Here’s what The Star’s coverage team — Sam McDowell, Vahe Gregorian, Jesse Newell and Blair Kerkhoff — is eager to see at the summer workouts: Stability, not a stopgap, at left tackle Eric Fisher was a luxury. —Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stopgap

• bandgap
• bitmap
• blackcap
• blackstrap
• bootstrap
• burlap
• claptrap
• entrap
• foolscap
• kidnap
• kneecap
• madcap

Kids Definition

stopgap

noun

stop·​gap ˈstäp-ˌgap 

: something that fills a gap : a temporary substitute