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
  • But travelers would be prudent to regularly contact Spirit for updates.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • All of that being said, Los Angeles is a notoriously prudent organization, so the Chargers would surely tread carefully in any potential trade discussions for Jennings.
    Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • So flavorful is Mendel that 3BR often uses it as a substitute for gin in cocktails made in the distillery tasting room.
    Don Tse, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas within the materials sector, covering news from emerging biomaterials and alternative leathers to sustainable substitutes and future-proof fibers.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 4 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
  • For instance, when the Martins were broke, before Christy gained the attention of legendary boxing promoter Don King, Jim, played on screen in a terrifying performance by Ben Foster, would take her to motel rooms to spar with men who would pay for the opportunity.
    Esther Zuckerman, Time, 6 Sep. 2025
  • More tackles and fouls will naturally occur in games where the team has less of the ball, with more opportunities to make those defensive actions.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 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
  • Creating a condensate from radioactive atoms has never been achieved, and the experiment would require extreme precision and strict safety measures.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The former Prime Minister’s proposal included measures like freezing a significant amount of welfare spending and doing away with two public holidays.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In states like California, personal injury laws are in place to ensure that an injured party has legal recourse and a direction for where to go next.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The government has framed the law as an effort to modernize family law and clarify nationality rules, but rights advocates are likely to call out the restrictions on LGBTQ practices and limits imposed on legal recourse in nationality cases.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Documenting positive attributes such as community involvement, steady employment, family support, and other meaningful contributions is also a wise move.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Only humans can weave meaning, create serendipity, and grow wiser through story.
    Big Think, Big Think, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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