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

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
This is the logical, expedient, correct thing to do. Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 24 Mar. 2026 Their partnership was vital to Tatum’s expedient process. Jared Weiss, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
For me, going to the White House would feel more expedient than right. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026 Trump’s handling of Venezuela reinforced a deep Iranian fear that Western powers ultimately favor expedient deals with authoritarian regimes over real democratic change. Dan Bilefsky, HollywoodReporter, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient
Adjective
  • This will require implementing policies that support prudent spending, rather than undermining it.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
  • Some pilots say that — once again — waiting, and keeping both engines running, might have been the most prudent move.
    James Glanz, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • The substitute looks up and sends a shot crashing against the post from a tight angle.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In 2025, the CMS Fraud Defense Operations Center stopped nearly $185 million in improper payments to suspect providers billing for skin substitutes.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The sudden cancellations effectively stranded hundreds of travelers, who were left scrambling for alternative means of transportation.
    Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 May 2026
  • Implementing mass timber at scale means navigating property lines and managing infrastructure boundaries between private owners.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • According to the site’s founder, Marile Borden, this branding opportunity reflected a newfound honesty among women about the frazzling demands of motherhood.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • Maxey drew attention, made the right reads and helped the 76ers take advantage of the 4-on-3 opportunities that came when the Knicks blitzed him.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Lindell’s lab, funded by MARINER, focused on improving crop yield by selectively breeding kelp with desirable qualities — such as nonreproductive capabilities to prevent interbreeding with wild kelp — so that, down the line, farmers could scale up their kelp production.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 May 2026
  • For one thing, Cora figures to be in demand and the Phillies, an old team in decline with not much of a farm system, don’t figure to be a particularly desirable destination.
    Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Colorado voters could head to the polls this November to weigh a ballot measure that would permit the state to redraw its congressional map before the 2028 election cycle.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2026
  • The measure, if approved for the ballot and passed by voters, would overturn the congressional map Missouri Republicans passed to oust Kansas City’s long-term Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver.
    Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • The United States Premier Hockey League’s bylaws, which USA TODAY obtained, offer no recourse to players whose teams don’t deliver on their promises.
    Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 7 May 2026
  • So with little legislative recourse, the nursery workers are taking their message directly to the stores that sell their plants – and the customers who buy them.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Reaves finished the night with 15 points on 7-for-14 shooting, a step up efficiency-wise from his return to the court in Game 5 on Wednesday.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
  • Containers dry out much quicker, so keep that in mind when selecting plants and opt for water-wise and drought-resistant varieties, Vater suggests.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

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