Synonyms of resource

resource

noun

ˈrē-ˌsȯrs 

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

• opportunity
• recourse
• resort
• possibility
• substitute
• replacement
• relief
• expedient
• hope
• stopgap
• makeshift

2

as in fund

resources plural available money

do you have the resources to buy a new car or even a used car?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fund
• finances
• pocket
• cash
• currency
• assets
• coffers
• means
• exchequer
• capital
• bankroll
• gold
• financing
• wealth
• wherewithal
• riches
• legal tender
• roll
• tender
• substance
• treasury
• chips
• dough
• cash flow
• purse
• bread
• scratch
• wampum
• fortune
• pelf
• deep pockets
• lucre
• opulence
• jack

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liabilities
• debts
• indebtedness

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

Recent Examples of resource

That spurred an overhaul of the county's behavioral health department around 15 years ago to focus more on voluntary, early-intervention resources. —Eva Wen, jsonline.com, 7 Nov. 2025

And California committed $80 million, plus National Guard resources to help with distribution. —Tovia Smith, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025

Because this resource is markedly less in demand in the United States these days, men are understandably struggling to find new ways to put their strength in the service of others. —Anna Louie Sussman, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025

The commander also said that resources — especially water supply — were a constant issue. —Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025