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
Firing all probationary employees—which is the most expedient way to reduce the size of government—is a blunt instrument. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 19 Feb. 2025 The United States can also develop transient but expedient partnerships with democratic and nondemocratic states alike, particularly those that fear dominance by assertive regional powers. Mira Rapp-Hooper, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2019
Noun
Lawmakers might find it more expedient to write clearer statutes. Marie Sapirie, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Too often their efforts have been restricted by what politicians consider expedient and necessary. Marquis William Childs, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient
Adjective
  • Washington State's prudent financial governance stands in stark contrast to Washington DC's struggle with fiscal discipline.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • In each case, Simon stresses that best-available player not only is the safest approach but also the most prudent.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Days after the Ways and Means Committee released a draft version of the tax bill, followed by a substitute amendment, questions began to fly.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • While some blends can be used as a 1:1 ratio substitute for sugar, others are significantly sweeter than sugar and may have published ratios of up to 12:1.
    Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • The class is specifically designed to provide an opportunity to ask questions about Christianity and our Lutheran theology.
    Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 17 May 2025
  • Saturday’s showpiece final is an opportunity to get some of the old feeling back, to show the merits of the current squad and to draw a line under some legendary careers.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • There is no obvious spot for two more games on the opening weekend that would provide a desirable, exclusive TV window.
    Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Dear Liz: My husband and I built a home on a hillside over 30 years ago in a desirable neighborhood with a beautiful view.
    Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Created through a bipartisan measure signed into law by President Trump in 2020, the lifeline serves veterans and non-English speakers in addition to LGBTQ+ young people.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • The measures players take vary according to their concerns — and their means.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • To have those images removed, victims are left with zero guidance and forced to navigate an evolving landscape with limited recourse against the person posting the fake images.
    Miami Herald Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 May 2025
  • The decision left thousands of Afghans stranded in Pakistan with no clear recourse.
    Zia ur-Rehman, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The one that was pretty impactful for me at Cannes, at least life trajectory wise, probably more impactful than all of those other films, came in 2012.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
  • If not, while national security, stability, and local shipbuilding growth are important, adding levies to tariffs this year may not be wise.
    Phillip Molnar, Mercury News, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • In March, as Trump was preparing to roll out his tariffs, House Republican leadership slipped language into a stopgap funding bill to prevent any member of Congress from challenging the national emergency Trump has declared to implement them.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
  • These geoengineering techniques are seen as potential stopgap measures, providing additional time for societies to ramp up efforts to cut carbon emissions.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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