expedience

noun

ex·​pe·​di·​ence ik-ˈspē-dē-ən(t)s How to pronounce expedience (audio)
Synonyms of expediencenext

Examples of expedience in a Sentence

the proven expedience of the carrot over the stick in getting the most out of people
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The standard for war should not be political expedience. Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026 Bale has the more interesting role as the youth who at first chooses Hitler out of expedience, but then becomes seduced by power and status. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026 Ultimately, peace cannot be defined by those who profit from war, occupation or political expedience. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025 That’s because the Fed’s credibility rests on its ability to make decisions driven by economic evidence, not political expedience. Joshua Stillwagon, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expedience

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expedience was in 1548

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expedience. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

expedience

noun
ex·​pe·​di·​ence ik-ˈspēd-ē-ən(t)s How to pronounce expedience (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster