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
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 Vijay had been speaking on a makeshift stage on top of a bus when the stampede began, per the Times. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025 Slowly, Hawkins was able to build the dog's trust and get close to it, eventually containing the pup by using a tripod as a makeshift leash. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025 Soft, lightweight, and generously sized, this travel shawl works as an in-flight blanket, a cozy scarf, or even a makeshift pillow. Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2025 In 5-year-old Tim Hryshchuk’s new school, the shelters have been converted into makeshift classrooms, so that time spent underground won’t be wasted. Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 25 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 Washington Examiner spoke to young adults who were impacted by Charlie Kirk’s faith while visiting the makeshift memorial outside of the Turning Point USA headquarters in Arizona. Amy Delaura, The Washington Examiner, 24 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for makeshift
Adjective
  • Evans said building a new parking garage near downtown would cost over $20 million, and that space is limited in the area for new lots or parking structures.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The show is one of several new offerings on Brilliant Lady, which sailed its maiden voyage in early September, and USA TODAY was among the first to see the show.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While Better Than Bouillon is a good substitute, bouillon cubes are not.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Long, who came in as a KC substitute, gave the pass to Chawinga for the reigning NWSL MVP’s 14th goal of the season.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These rare steroids were linked to ancient sponges, but the findings sparked debate, with some suggesting alternative origins, including non-biological processes.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Behind the scenes, Omaha Productions, the Manning brothers' company, saw the unexpected momentum as a chance to expand beyond documentaries and alternative NFL broadcasts.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement ‘Release the hostage’ The stopgap spending bill Senate Republicans tried to push through before midnight passed the House earlier this month largely along party lines.
    Nik Popli, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
  • That's the result of Republicans and Democrats failing to reach a deal to pass a stopgap funding bill.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The key is preparing before problems strikes, or sidestepping the problem by finding alternate transportation when possible.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Zaynn Arora as the boy messenger (Eric Williams in alternate performances) who delivers the news of Godot’s postponement is suitably fragile, fearful and haunting.
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Add-on options include computer coverage, sump pump backup coverage, and dwelling replacement coverage.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • However, Joe Flacco, who started the team's first four games, will remain the backup, leaving Sanders in his third-string role.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette maintains full editorial control over this article and all other coverage.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the fall equinox and has several other names.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Makeshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/makeshift. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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