stopgap

noun

stop·​gap ˈstäp-ˌgap 

often attributive

: something that serves as a temporary expedient : makeshift

stopgap measures

Synonyms

• substitute
• makeshift
• backup

Choose the Right Synonym for stopgap

resource, resort, expedient, shift, makeshift, stopgap 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

expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

Examples of stopgap in a Sentence

The new law is intended only as a stopgap.

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Dallas picked up D'Angelo Russell during the offseason as a stopgap solution, but Russell made just one of his nine shot attempts and mustered six assists through two games. —Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025

The agency did not answer questions about state-level stopgaps. —Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025

Another vote on stopgap funding to end the partial federal government shutdown failed Wednesday, with Indiana senators voting along party lines. —Jenny Porter Tilley, IndyStar, 23 Oct. 2025

House Republicans last month passed a seven-week stopgap funding bill, known as a continuing resolution, that included millions of additional dollars in security for members. —Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stopgap

• bandgap
• bitmap
• blackcap
• blackstrap
• bootstrap
• burlap
• claptrap
• entrap
• foolscap
• kidnap
• kneecap
• madcap

Kids Definition

stopgap

noun

stop·​gap ˈstäp-ˌgap 

: something that fills a gap : a temporary substitute