makeshift 1 of 3

makeshift

2 of 3

noun

as in substitute
a temporary replacement when his belt broke, he was forced to use string as a makeshift

Synonyms & Similar Words

make shift

3 of 3

phrase

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of makeshift
Adjective
The show's runaway success and growing anticipation for the second season, which releases in December 2025, means revelers will surely be met with a sea of blue jumpsuits, ghoulish face paint and makeshift Pipboys this Halloween season for the second year in a row. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025 While Billy Napier spoke at a makeshift podium after losing to Miami 26-7, Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin stood in the back of the room. Noah White, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025 There had already been one major let-off with Alisson thwarting Yilmaz, who had got in behind the makeshift right-back too easily. James Pearce, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 Each became part of the political and historical phenomenon termed the balsero crisis, so named for the balsas, or makeshift rafts, that carried the refugees out into the Florida Straits. Miriam Pensack, The Dial, 30 Sep. 2025 Using office chairs and boxes as a makeshift tripod, Lynch adapted the script that had emerged from her journal into a video. Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025 After a long day down the shafts, mineworkers would gather at rowdy makeshift pubs called shebeens, and play famo. Kate Bartlett, NPR, 29 Sep. 2025 Sometimes, Germayne Cunningham would tie Sanaa up using one of his large t-shirts as a makeshift straitjacket, Clark added. Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 29 Sep. 2025 The unit had no electricity or running water, and a bucket was used as a makeshift toilet. Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for makeshift
Adjective
  • The divisions included endurance and sports race cars, supercars, flat track motorcycles, sprint cars, drift cars, vintage IndyCars, NASCAR, ASF Cup cars (American Speed Festival) and a new group called LROC (Ladies Race of Champions).
    Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • That was just one of the findings of a new statewide health survey -- just the second in the country -- that was announced Thursday by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Messi played Allende through again one minute later for a close-range finish that reestablished the Herons’ two-goal lead, and Alba capped the scoring in the 63rd minute after receiving a pass down the left from substitute Telasco Segovia.
    Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas within the materials sector, covering news from emerging biomaterials and alternative leathers to sustainable substitutes and future-proof fibers.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some workers, whose programs have alternative funding sources, continue to be paid on time.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 8 Oct. 2025
  • At Ares Management's analyst day last month, the alternative asset manager quietly bumped up its three-year fundraising targets by 25%.
    Leslie Picker, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Extending the lease at the Civic was a stopgap to avoid sending clients back to homelessness.
    Ashley Hiruko, ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2025
  • That means the stopgap spending bill will likely not advance, as only three lawmakers in the Democratic caucus have crossed the aisle, with no others announcing plans to join Republicans over the weekend.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Because the government shutdown prevented the Bureau of Labor Statistics from issuing its jobs report for September on Friday, Wall Street is turning to alternate gauges from the private sector.
    Danny Bakst, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been an alternate captain for years.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Speeds feel snappy for streaming and cloud backups, and the price stays reasonable even with extras.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Secure the hardware with nails, or use a hot glue gun as a backup.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Analysts have raised the possibility that North Korea’s next-generation Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), its new Hwasong-11 Ma hypersonic glide vehicle, and other advanced weapons systems will be on display.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 9 Oct. 2025
  • An end to the fighting is expected to lead to rapid increases in the supply of food and other basic needs.
    Greg Myre, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Makeshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/makeshift. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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