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

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
For Mesa Grande, the use of these technologies could provide more expedient access to health care, goods movement options and more, while creating new pathways for workforce development, education and transportation. Curtis V La Chusa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2025 Mussolini is at once an incisive psychological portrait of one of the 20th century’s most destructive individuals and a clear-eyed dissection of fascism’s politically expedient, intellectually incoherent origins. Judy Berman, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
Your husband’s son needs to get a storage unit (and possibly a more expedient divorce attorney). R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 26 Dec. 2025 To remedy this, California chose perhaps the most expedient but expensive course of action: Give free food to every kid! Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient
Adjective
  • While no city or county government is perfect, the reality is that local governments are the closest to the people and often, the most responsive and fiscally prudent.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
  • After seeing what happened to Timothée Chalamet over the past two weeks, OBAA’s strategy of tamping down on any off-the-cuff remarks that could have set off a political firestorm suddenly looks a lot more prudent.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • As that Arizona porch proved, a camera lens is a catastrophically poor substitute for a human gaze.
    Neal K. Shah, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
  • They are embedded infrastructure for which the world has no easy substitute.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Protesters also need the means of self-defense.
    Richard Goldberg, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Fall in the South means taking advantage of the bounty of fresh produce which, of course, includes butternut squash.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Democrats saw the meeting as an opportunity to call attention to the fact that Bondi has yet to explicitly commit to showing up on April 14.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Seek out new opportunities and be ready to act fast on them.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Well, maybe my home value — the one directly tied to how desirable this county is for families who do have kids.
    Randy Linville, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2026
  • If the legislature truly wants to make Colorado a desirable destination for companies, there are more ethical ways to do so.
    Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Deputies began life-saving measures and she was taken to a nearby hospital in an ambulance.
    Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The crowd reduction measures the city had touted in weeks prior were in full effect Saturday — restrictions on parking, heavy police presence and checkpoints.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Even if a person’s behavior smacked of espionage, the officer’s only recourse was to provide a free ride and a Slurpee.
    Adam Ciralsky, Vanity Fair, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, a fellow Democrat, warned that having no regulations would hurt Coloradans and leave no recourse for misusing it.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • No, not the best man, not the most intelligent, the most sophisticated, or the wisest.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026
  • During the conversation, Robinson reflected on his years in The Office, playing the wise warehouse worker Darryl Philbin, who continually frustrated manager Michael Scott (Carell) with his confidence and nonchalance.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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