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
Finding someone to out-Trump Trump might look like an expedient solution to an immediate problem. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2025 Trading long-term gains for short-term impact may seem like the expedient choice, except for one lingering question: What if the most expensive decision is not going to college at all? Judy D. Olian, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
Accomplished by the simple expedient of signing the president’s name. William W Bedsworth, Oc Register, 26 May 2025 Although nobody with even a minimal knowledge of the Troubles believes Adams, many republicans accept his dissembling as a politically expedient ruse, designed in part to give the British, the unionists, and other interested parties political cover for dealing with Sinn Fein. Jonathan Stevenson, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2019 See All Example Sentences for expedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient
Adjective
  • Adding another inside linebacker or two would be prudent, and Michigan has players on the board who could fill that need.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • Further, the company has been prudent in allocating its resources towards innovation and marketing focused on its flagship product, unlike big conglomerates who despite having deep pockets are unable to focus on a particular niche.
    Ankita Dhawan, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • The information provided here is not legal advice and does not purport to be a substitute for advice of counsel on any specific matter.
    Wen Xie, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Charlie Tasker, a 19-year-old right-back with a strong work ethic who gets up and down the pitch, was an unused substitute in five of Brighton’s Premier League games in April before injuries affected his chances of further involvement.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Democrats disagree and find Tillis' retirement an opportunity to make up for ground the lost in 2024.
    Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 1 July 2025
  • This will show you who is truly in your corner and give you the opportunity to silently separate from those who show you otherwise.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Highland Ventures is ready to transform 525 N. Tryon into a more desirable office space after purchasing the building in May for $24 million.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2025
  • Lack of charging infrastructure makes used electric vehicles less desirable than gas cars to some car buyers.
    Charles Singh, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • The House measure aims to lower federal costs by freezing states' provider taxes at current rates and prohibiting them from establishing new provider taxes.
    July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • Now the mammoth measure heads back to the House, which narrowly passed its own version at the end of May.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Since mining safety investigations were largely left to the states to oversee, citizens who filed complaints were left with little recourse when reports stalled or went unaddressed.
    Laken Brooks, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Clubs have, perhaps naturally, linked their one avenue of recourse to the existing rules framework.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • In hindsight that decision may not have been the wisest.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 5 July 2025
  • Demonstrating a talent for working in fluent french peppered with a british accent, the actor delivers one of his most indelible acting turns as the sly, wry, and wise business mogul-turned- butler who finds new purpose in life working on the other side of the fence.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • Even a one-year stopgap could prevent public transit cuts.
    Jackson Potter, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
  • With 11 more appropriations bills to consider in the House, all dozen needing votes in the Senate, and a bipartisan, bicameral top-line agreement nowhere in sight, the prospect of Congress needing to pass a stopgap when the Sept. 30 deadline arrives is becoming more and more likely.
    Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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