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

Over the last two offseasons under Stearns, the Mets mostly targeted short-term contracts with pitchers like Montas as stopgap options. —Will Sammon, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025

The state was able to release some stopgap funding that lasted through March 2025, but when that ended, even more programs closed. —Alana Semuels, Time, 15 Aug. 2025

Its 83 members are already making the case to GOP leaders that the best-case scenario is passing a budget — and, if that proves elusive, a lengthy stopgap that includes spending for district- or state-specific priorities known as earmarks. —Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2025

If Congress doesn't act, lawmakers must pass a continuing resolution as a temporary stopgap measure or accept a government shutdown. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 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