stopgap

noun

stop·​gap ˈstäp-ˌgap 

often attributive

: something that serves as a temporary expedient : makeshift

stopgap measures

Synonyms of stopgap

• substitute
• makeshift
• backup

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

Public-nuisance law has proved a malleable stopgap when other kinds of regulation fail. —Aziz Huq, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026

Several moderate Democrats broke ranks with their colleagues to pass a stopgap spending bill and end a government shutdown late last year. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026

The House passed three bills, along with a short-term stopgap measure, in November that brought a 43-day shutdown to an end. —Sudiksha Kochi, The Hill, 22 Jan. 2026

Trump would also impose more lasting tariffs under other statutes, which allow duties on specific industries or countries, Hassett said—but those take longer to implement, so the 10% tariffs would be a stopgap in the meantime. —Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1691, 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