as in prudent
suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances
made the expedient decision to sell the land to whomever offered the most money
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in means
an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result
he vowed to use any expedient available to get the project done on time
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of expedient
Judy D. Olian, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025
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
John Winsor, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Not for them the merciful expedient of a minor flesh wound or a swift death.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expedient
Adjective
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
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
Noun
In stark relief, Claude’s work was not only expedient but cost-effective, clarifying a pivotal point: expertise is no longer locked behind formal training or high fees.
—John Winsor, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Not for them the merciful expedient of a minor flesh wound or a swift death.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient
Adjective
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Meanwhile, consumers are at a loss to know which mental health apps are prudent and useful and which ones are problematic and ought to be avoided.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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Creating a more even playing time split could be prudent, but the club must be mindful of Caratini’s health as a 31-year-old who has only twice caught more than 500 innings in a season.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Noun
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Todibo made his debut in August’s opening-weekend home loss against Aston Villa as a late substitute but West Ham’s then head coach Julen Lopetegui only introduced him to the starting XI gradually.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
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Together, these activities form part of a bigger, sustained strategy that is, in effect, a new platform designed to make Martell a go-to substitute spirit in popular cocktails—and the entire cognac category by extension.—
Kevin Rozario,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
Noun
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So, to see things come to fruition, like a house ambassador at the LV, walking in the shows, and just all the things that opportunity can afford you.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
9 June 2025
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Seth Rollins and Naomi won their respective matches and can cash-in an opportunity for a WWE championship any time and any place.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2025
Adjective
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Edgewood’s parlors, its ample lawn, and a fine carriage house with original stables that is under renovation are desirable venues for weddings and corporate retreats.—
John Oseid,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
-
In early May, the EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, rolled out a plan to respond to Trump by slapping tariffs on more than $100 billion worth of U.S. goods if the negotiations with Washington do not yield a desirable outcome.—
Filip Timotija,
The Hill,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
As a measure of how dormant the rivalry is, the two teams have not faced each other since 2008 — a year before Thomas Muller, who will leave Bayern this summer as their record appearance-maker with 751 (so far), had even made his competitive debut.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
-
In 2015, lawmakers in the state Assembly approved a measure that would have restricted the use of drones over private property without the owner’s permission.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2025
Noun
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Maryland’s method, by contrast, lacks predictability and places too much discretion in the hands of the comptroller, without transparency or meaningful recourse.—
Sakinah Tillman,
Baltimore Sun,
4 June 2025
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Government leaders must demand algorithmic audits, transparency about AI decision making and citizen recourse when errors occur.—
Darshan Tiwari,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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Considering Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson and T.J. Watt are all in line for new deals soon, getting something done with Hutchinson sooner rather than later would be wise.—
Colton Pouncy,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
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Which is wiser: Spending money on more firefighting resources after wildfires break out and absorbing the extraordinary cost of damages, or investing in technologies and training to prevent wildfires from happening in the first place?—
Abhishek Singh,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Noun
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This surge suggests that many organizations are unprepared for sudden leadership transitions, often resorting to interim appointments as a stopgap measure.—
Solange Charas,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
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Other voices – including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg – see nuclear energy as a stopgap or stepping stone on the way to more renewable solutions, such as wind and solar technologies.—
Jack Cooksey,
USA Today,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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