expedient 1 of 2

Definition of expedientnext

expedient

2 of 2

noun

1
as in substitute
a temporary replacement if you're a spectator caught without rainwear at a sporting event, then a plastic garbage bag makes an acceptable, if unfashionable, expedient

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in opportunity
something that one uses to accomplish an end especially when the usual means is not available since there wasn't a single bandage left in our backpacks, we had to use a bandanna, our only expedient

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word expedient distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words advisable and politic are common synonyms of expedient. While all three words mean "dictated by practical or prudent motives," expedient usually implies what is immediately advantageous without regard for ethics or consistent principles.

a politically expedient decision

How is advisable related to other words for expedient?

Advisable applies to what is practical, prudent, or advantageous but lacks the derogatory implication of expedient and politic.

sometimes it's advisable to say nothing

When could politic be used to replace expedient?

While in some cases nearly identical to expedient, politic stresses judiciousness and tactical value but usually implies some lack of candor or sincerity.

a politic show of interest

How is the word expedient distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words advisable and politic are common synonyms of expedient. While all three words mean "dictated by practical or prudent motives," expedient usually implies what is immediately advantageous without regard for ethics or consistent principles.

a politically expedient decision

How is advisable related to other words for expedient?

Advisable applies to what is practical, prudent, or advantageous but lacks the derogatory implication of expedient and politic.

sometimes it's advisable to say nothing

When could politic be used to replace expedient?

While in some cases nearly identical to expedient, politic stresses judiciousness and tactical value but usually implies some lack of candor or sincerity.

a politic show of interest

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of expedient
Adjective
Tolbert suggested, and Bibb concurred, that the most expedient course would be for the Wings to take over the project’s development. Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026 For Mesa Grande, the use of these technologies could provide more expedient access to health care, goods movement options and more, while creating new pathways for workforce development, education and transportation. Curtis V La Chusa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2025
Noun
Tolbert suggested, and Bibb concurred, that the most expedient course would be for the Wings to take over the project’s development. Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026 My husband seems perfectly OK with this. — Packed to the Rafters Dear Rafters: Your husband’s son needs to get a storage unit (and possibly a more expedient divorce attorney). R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient
Adjective
  • That move, which may have seemed prudent at the time, ended up killing off the TFG’s chances.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Local launch traffic will likely be heavy, so leaving yourself hours of flexibility is prudent.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Caitlin Clark-effect was not a myth, and there is no substitute for an organic creation that can consistently bust 3-pointers from 30 feet.
    Mac Engel March 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Messi went in as a halftime substitute in the 2-1 victory over Mauritania on March 27, a result against an inexperienced opponent that did not sit well with Scaloni.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • About 7 million barrels per day of that loss is being made up through other means, like the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Fujairah, in the United Arab Emirates and the release of strategic reserves, according to Kpler data.
    Victor Ordonez, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • But Reich says philanthropy is still regularly used by people with means to cultivate their reputations.
    Katia Riddle, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The rapid proliferation of art biennials in the ’90s gave them plenty of opportunities and reflected a world reorganizing itself after the Cold War.
    Daniel Birnbaum, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Shamet was fouled on the play and missed the and-one free throw, but second-year backup big man Ariel Hukporti grabbed the offensive rebound to create a second shot opportunity.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Brushes, on the other hand, dry out much more quickly, creating a less desirable environment for bacteria to breed.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Build knowledge carefully, and desirable results should follow.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The department said federal authorities were using non-lethal measures to push the crowd back.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The measure can now be brought up for a vote on the next eligible Monday.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Steve founded the firm in 1993, following a dispute in which families sought legal recourse after children became seriously ill from contaminated fast food.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The bill, if enacted in its current draft, could also give the state and project operators the power to regulate underground transit systems, leaving municipalities like Nashville with little recourse to address fires or other emergencies, and workplace safety or pollution concerns.
    Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Straight men are just catching up, vanity-wise, and political opportunists have eagerly fed into their insecurities.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The obvious comparison would be Lily Allen’s West End Girl, another heartbreak concept album that captured the public imagination by aiming big, narrative-wise, stretching out the story song by song.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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