makeshift 1 of 3

makeshift

2 of 3

noun

as in substitute
a temporary replacement when his belt broke, he was forced to use string as a makeshift

Synonyms & Similar Words

make shift

3 of 3

phrase

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 makeshift
Adjective
The Ransacker would construct makeshift alarms by placing objects on doorknobs. Ian Berry, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025 People pay their respects to right-wing activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk at a makeshift memorial in Phoenix, Arizona, on September 20, 2025. John Toher, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025 Of them, 445 were living on the streets, in vehicles or in makeshift shelters while 399 were being temporarily housed. Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 21 Sep. 2025 The property offers a resort experience, including a spa, a lazy river, and a pool with a makeshift sandy shoreline surrounded by cabanas. Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025 That changed when Hemmer and a friend launched a makeshift radio station in the school’s attic. Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 If readings reach dangerous levels, astronauts can construct a makeshift radiation shield inside Orion, fortifying themselves between the spacecraft's heatshield and water storage canisters, both of which are better at absorbing penetrating radiation than other onboard materials. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 17 Sep. 2025 In six months, the site has grown from 600 people fleeing gang attacks in nearby Delmas 30 to 5,000 people from all over the capital, sheltering in packed government offices and makeshift shacks. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025 When the comics got on the makeshift stage, hardly anyone was even looking at us. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for makeshift
Adjective
  • Evans said building a new parking garage near downtown would cost over $20 million, and that space is limited in the area for new lots or parking structures.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The show is one of several new offerings on Brilliant Lady, which sailed its maiden voyage in early September, and USA TODAY was among the first to see the show.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While Better Than Bouillon is a good substitute, bouillon cubes are not.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Long, who came in as a KC substitute, gave the pass to Chawinga for the reigning NWSL MVP’s 14th goal of the season.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Moreover, Breach was available across 15+ vinyl variants, three deluxe CDs and various streaming platforms, giving fans ample opportunity to collect different versions of the record, some of which house bonus tracks or alternative cover art.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2025
  • The discovery of the cosmic microwave background and the subsequent measurement of its temperature and the blackbody nature of its spectrum eliminated alternative theories like the Steady State model.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • What began as a stopgap solution soon became a scalable business model.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Democrats are demanding the government funding stopgap extend the enhanced health insurance premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act that are due to expire at the end of the year.
    Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Minnesota Test of Academic Skills is an alternate assessment given to students with cognitive disabilities.
    Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Officials advised that those who do not exit in time will be directed across the border into Mexico, and that drivers should plan ahead when using alternate routes.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • On November 14, 2023, a Mid State Systems tractor trailer traveling west on Ohio’s I-70 did not slow down for a traffic backup that formed after an earlier crash, the NTSB reported.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
  • This crew comes together as pieces—the four of us and our backups—but the six of us make up a whole team.
    Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to this expert insight, the company offers CMAs backed by fresh data — unlike other platforms that often rely on stale information.
    Mary Beth Eastman, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Several other Allies – including Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Romania – have also recently experienced airspace violations by Russia.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Makeshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/makeshift. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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