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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 Not everyone inherits the wealth or resources to buy a home — and that’s exactly why Progressive created Open the House. Essence, 6 July 2025 The Texas Division of Emergency Management activated its emergency response resources to the area ahead of the storms on Thursday. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2025 This will reduce the energy demand on the plant, allowing more resources to reach the remaining tomatoes. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 July 2025 For many entrepreneurs, especially those running small or startup businesses, creating a scalable marketing strategy can feel daunting, especially when resources are limited. Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for resource
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource
Noun
  • Different infrastructural models, same goal: unlocking elite investment opportunities via blockchain.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • This will show you who is truly in your corner and give you the opportunity to silently separate from those who show you otherwise.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Zelensky has said Ukraine is prepared to buy Patriots directly or through the fund established by the US-Ukrainian minerals deal.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 29 June 2025
  • The state plans to seek federal reimbursement through FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, which have funds allocated for such efforts.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resource

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