make-do 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of make-donext
as in makeshift

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

make do

2 of 2

phrase

as in cope
to meet one's day-to-day needs She could make do just fine and didn't need anyone's help.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 make-do
Adjective
Yet even this make-do meal felt extravagant. — Reem Kassis, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025 The show has a punk rock, garage band, DIY, mix tape, basement, make-do sensibility, flowing from the band and album inspiring its title. — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Phrase
The Roman Catholic High School football program is being forced to make do with no restrooms or running water at practice this summer. — Joe Holden, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2026 No other compound can unlock as much energy—and any creature that goes without O2 has to make do with less. — James Dinneen, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for make-do
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-do
  1. makeshift
  2. make ends meet
  3. backup
  4. substitute
  5. stopgap
Adjective
  • While certainly an improvement on the current barriers (which are a shockingly makeshift solution for a museum that cost over $1 billion), the plaza’s main entryways will remain gated off, confirmed both Lu and Lucas Museum spokesperson Seth Fowler.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Many of these migrants navigate the passage on makeshift boats that can capsize in treacherous waters.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of makeshift
Phrase
  • Our focus is on operating a safe and reliable heating system, doing critical infrastructure work cost effectively, and helping customers make ends meet through energy-efficiency programs, budget-friendly billing plans and financial assistance.
    — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Gerber said some of their friends were going through a difficult time, including one who was working at a Texas airport's bar trying to make ends meet for his family.
    — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of make ends meet
Adjective
  • After that league folded, Seurer signed with the Chiefs as a backup quarterback but nearly was pressed into action as a wide receiver in 1986 due to injuries.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Consider that test failed, as the Trojans dropped one at home to a Ducks squad playing with a backup quarterback for the majority of the contest.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of backup
Adjective
  • The Sounders regained a two-goal advantage in the 83rd minute when substitute Paul Arriola used another assist from Rusnák and one from 20-year-old rookie Sebastian Gomez — his third — to score for the second time this season.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Applicants will have to register with the secretary of state, document a threat within the past year and receive a substitute address that government agencies must generally accept.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of substitute
Adjective
  • To bridge the property tax payout gap, the county recently awarded $191 million worth of stopgap loans to 32 villages, library and school districts.
    — Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
  • However, residents say their volunteerism is meant to be a stopgap measure.
    — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Sep. 2026
Definition of stopgap

Browse Nearby Words

make common cause
make-do
make do
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Make-do.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-do. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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