Definition of resourcenext
1
as in opportunity
something that one uses to accomplish an end especially when the usual means is not available we used every possible resource to raise the funds needed to save our town's oldest house

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word resource different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of resource are expedient, makeshift, resort, shift, and stopgap. While all these words 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

When can expedient be used instead of resource?

The synonyms expedient and resource are sometimes interchangeable, but expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

When could makeshift be used to replace resource?

The meanings of makeshift and resource largely overlap; however, makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

Where would shift be a reasonable alternative to resource?

While in some cases nearly identical to resource, shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

When is stopgap a more appropriate choice than resource?

Although the words stopgap and resource have much in common, stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

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 resource Model providers face commercial pressure to release products quickly and devote resources to capability development. Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Though Twins chairman Tom Pohlad suggested GM Jeremy Zoll would have the necessary resources to make deals, the Twins rarely have been a team that absorbs significant salary in-season. Zack Meisel, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 With limited financial resources, IRIS says they are focused on preparing families to survive on their own. Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026 Gostu said the process aims to unlock previously untapped resources from industrial waste while reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional waste management. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resource
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource
Noun
  • For many participants, Saturday marks their first opportunity to perform in front of a large audience alongside nationally touring artists.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • But it’s been accused of falling behind in AI, and its core business might have fewer growth opportunities than a rapidly advancing new technology.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Which is more valuable might depend on where AI is as a technology, according to Joe Tigay, portfolio manager for the Rational Equity Armor Fund, a fund that prioritizes total return on investment.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • The Blazers are seeking $600 million in public funds to upgrade the arena, which is the oldest NBA arena that hasn’t been renovated.
    Esfandiar Baraheni, New York Times, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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