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
And don’t take any of these expedient risks simply because flocks of others are doing the same. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 Depleting our rainy-day fund, aggressively raising taxes on businesses or adding to our debt are politically expedient but not useful in the long run. Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
During election seasons, calling for enhanced punitive measures—whether those are mandatory minimum sentences or the death penalty—have frequently proved politically expedient for both sides of the political aisle. TIME, 10 Feb. 2025 But history shows that this approach—while politically expedient—is inherently fragile. Casey Burgat, TIME, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient
Adjective
  • Aston Villa accounting period covered 13 months, not one year. Source: Club financial statements All of which begs the question: are Levy and Spurs being excessively prudent?
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • As a result, many universities, including those in states with a 7% cap on prudent spending, will likely be able to increase their use of endowment funds to maintain their budgets at prior levels.
    Ellen P. Aprill, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After watching Lemina flounder as a substitute in the 3-0 home loss against Nottingham Forest on January 6 — his first appearance for the new coach after injury — Pereira removed him from his first-team plans.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Jonathan Rodriguez made his season debut for the Timbers as a second-half substitute.
    Anne M. Peterson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Eva is grateful for her supportive parents who help make things happen and give her so many opportunities to share her voice.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Armenians, a people with a much stronger sense of ethnic identity and cohesion, seized the opportunity of crippled Soviet authority to attack Azerbaijan.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Sometimes, the larvae would chew these body parts into more desirable sizes.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
  • No major surgery required, but one new face is desirable.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The exemption started as a cost-cutting measure, to avoid taxes that cost the government more to collect than the tax itself.
    Emily Feng, NPR, 2 May 2025
  • The university saw a string of suicides around 2010, and one victim’s father sued Cornell for negligence by not implementing appropriate suicide prevention measures related to the numerous bridges in the Ithaca, New York, area.
    Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • There is very little precedent for the hypothetical sanctions or legal recourse if they are put into place against British lawyers.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • In rebuttal, expect the WTA Tour to point out that waiver of recourse clauses are standard measures in pro sports and that waivers, while often the subject of critique, are typically lawful when the contracting parties are adults.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Deferring college acceptance—postponing enrollment typically for one year—can be a thoughtful strategy when life circumstances, personal goals or practical considerations suggest that waiting might be the wiser path.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Guidance and tariffs Dover made a few wise adjustments to its full-year outlook.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Congress earlier this month passed a stopgap funding bill that set government funding at mostly 2024 levels through September.
    Aris Folley, The Hill, 27 Mar. 2025
  • But data centers around the country have started to use them as a stopgap solution.
    Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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