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
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 In a video interview, Sophie de Lint, the Dutch company’s director, said co-productions were environmentally necessary, not merely financially expedient. A.j. Goldmann, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Noun
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 For those Galaxy users eager to try the beta for themselves as part of Samsung’s more expedient, seamless process, there may already an issue. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for expedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient
Adjective
  • Some decisions are prudent, such as the Las Vegas Raiders to defeat the New England Patriots at a nice underdog price.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025
  • These nations have lowered taxes, reduced the size of the state and generally been fiscally prudent with sustainable debt/GDP levels – and their growth rates reflect these prudent decisions.
    Alden Abbott, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The last 11 players on the pitch go into the huddle; the substitutes are not involved, making the circle smaller and ensuring players can hear.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The Sacramento River acted as a substitute for the Mississippi River.
    John Turton, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Daly noted that the Certification is part of a bigger plan to set the standard for what agility and future-readiness means in the automotive dealership industry.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Travelers looking for a luxurious experience at the Miami airport — and have the means to pay for it — will get a new private terminal opening in 2026.
    D.A. Varela, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The company is where the customer pain is sharpest, but Lerner sees a much larger opportunity.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Look for opportunities to plug CCU into existing processes with minimal disruption.
    Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Lower taxes, while generally desirable, increase the amount of money people have to spend on these now more expensive goods and services.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Frame eyelets for mounting racks and fenders are certainly a desirable feature, although their absence isn't necessarily a dealbreaker.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Demand-side measures are the right approach.
    Joel Thayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • In a 2013 survey of criminologists, public health scholars, and legal academics, an assault weapons ban was ranked the single most effective measure among 20 policy options for reducing mass shootings.
    John J. Donohue, Time, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Visibility can rise or fall without explanation, and without recourse.
    Jared Brenner, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • With little legislative recourse to block the map, Missouri Democrats have decried Republicans and planned a rally outside the Capitol in Jefferson City for Wednesday, while three lawmakers staged a five-day sit-in on the House floor.
    Joseph Ax, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Either by choice or otherwise, Wolves lost seven players who appeared regularly in the first team last season and brought in six new faces, so numbers-wise, there is little difference.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The measure further reduces offshore drilling, but the effort to compensate in a region that is highly dependent on the oil industry was a wise move.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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