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

Without electrification, Simpliciano said, renewable targets run the risk of being feeble and ineffective, with brands potentially turning to biomass and other problematic substitutions as stopgap measures. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 25 Sep. 2025

Congressional Democrats feel stung by the mass layoffs and program cuts that followed the last stopgap spending deal in March. —Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025

The Browns drafted Shedeur with the expectation of developing him for the future, with Flacco serving as a stopgap until one of the rookies is ready. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2025

That funding is included in the stopgap spending bill that passed in the House, but is short of votes in the Senate. —Nik Popli, Time, 25 Sep. 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