expedient 1 of 2

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

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
Funding for the Loop has traditionally come from federal and state sources, but Caumissar-Kern said the strategy is not expedient for building new trails. Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 23 July 2025 The constitution is meant to provide a stable framework for our government, not a patchwork of temporary fixes or politically expedient changes. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025
Noun
Hiring within the law almost certainly will mean offering higher wages or better working conditions and exploring greater automation, expedients that other American industries take for granted. The Editors, National Review, 30 June 2025 And members of the Trump administration have mounted continual attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion policies and used the term as a politically expedient slur to deride Black people. Timothy Welbeck, The Conversation, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for expedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient
Adjective
  • At this point, a prudent President would have stayed silent.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
  • And for a program run by a nation-state or a billionaire that doesn't want to have a rocket blow up, this is prudent.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While Better Than Bouillon is a good substitute, bouillon cubes are not.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Long, who came in as a KC substitute, gave the pass to Chawinga for the reigning NWSL MVP’s 14th goal of the season.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That position of strength means, in the local media, the messaging can often be shaped to the club’s advantage.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Flax is known to promote good digestive health and prevent constipation, thanks to plenty of insoluble fiber and soluble fiber (both of which facilitate digestion and regular bowel movements through slightly different means).
    Christina Chaey, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Its Club Nick kids club is a supervised program for children ages four to 12, and non-motorized water sports and the opportunity to get slimed (the ultimate Nickelodeon honor) will keep everyone smiling.
    Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • While Xaverian had one final opportunity late, the Golden Eagles stood strong defensively.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Her aptitude was unavoidable at the Fendi show, where top models holding desirable handbags, styled with joyful knits, eye-catching dresses and sporty separates, strutted past guests, including actors Hilary Duff, Naomi Watts and Bang Chan of the South Korean boy band Stray Kids.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The combination of scarcity and eye appeal should help this remain a desirable card for years to come.
    Andrew Mackie, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The trash-bin selection is one of the key steps in the city’s fitful transition to paid trash service, nearly three years after city voters narrowly approved a ballot measure allowing the city to start charging for it after more than a century.
    Sam Schulz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2025
  • In the Senate, Democrats are withholding support for a measure to keep the government funded at current levels unless Republicans extend subsidies that help some Americans pay for health care through the Affordable Care Act, which are set to expire at year's end, among other demands.
    Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That somehow or other, all of a sudden, their request for a merger or for some other transaction was now slowed for a year or two years or three years, causing irreparable harm, but with no recourse that the company would have.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Court filings, however, note a likely cause for the council's uncommon move for recourse.
    Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There are many layers that get peeled back in this wise film.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
  • That won’t be the case every week, but Diggs looks up to speed — healthy and chemistry-wise — which puts him in the WR3/4 conversation and gives that Boutte the boot.
    Jake Ciely, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on expedient

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!