Synonyms of stopgap

stopgap 1 of 2

noun

ˈstäp-ˌgap 

as in substitute

a temporary replacement

the coach we have now was only hired as a stopgap until someone with more experience is found

Synonyms & Similar Words

• substitute
• makeshift
• backup
• expedient
• refuge
• recourse
• stand-in
• alternate
• quick fix
• resort
• standby
• understudy

stopgap

2 of 2

adjective

as in makeshift

Related Words

• makeshift
• backup
• proxy
• substitute
• make-do
• alternate
• interim
• temporary
• acting
• provisional
• jackleg
• provisory
• ad interim
• provisionary

Dissimilar Words

• permanent
• long-term

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of stopgap are expedient, makeshift, resort, resource, and shift. While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

When can expedient be used instead of stopgap?

The synonyms expedient and stopgap 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

In what contexts can makeshift take the place of stopgap?

While the synonyms makeshift and stopgap are close in meaning, makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

How are the words resource and resort related as synonyms of stopgap?

Both resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon.

exhausted all of their resources

a last resort

When might shift be a better fit than stopgap?

The words shift and stopgap can be used in similar contexts, but shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stopgap

Noun

With too little time left to complete the full-year bills before the deadline, Congress will likely need to rely on a stopgap measure to keep the government running. —Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

Rather than picking this unwinnable fight, Democrats should agree to a stopgap funding bill, then do the hard work of negotiating compromises and winning elections. —Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025

Adjective

Republicans will need at least eight Democratic votes to advance their stopgap measure, which would fund the government through November 21. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

After a conference call on Sunday afternoon, Senate Democrats stayed firm in demanding a health care negotiation rather than caving on the House GOP’s stopgap bill. —Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025