Synonyms of makeshift

makeshift 1 of 3

adjective

as in new

taking the place of one that came before

turned a towel into a makeshift skirt

Synonyms & Similar Words

• new
• alternative
• alternate
• other
• substitute
• another
• second
• different
• extra
• substitutive
• separate
• improvised
• pinch
• successive
• spare
• equivalent
• utility
• jury

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• first
• original
• former
• same
• permanent
• identical
• equal
• lasting

makeshift

2 of 3

noun

ˈmāk-ˌshift 

as in substitute

a temporary replacement

when his belt broke, he was forced to use string as a makeshift

Synonyms & Similar Words

• substitute
• stopgap
• backup
• refuge
• expedient
• alternate
• stand-in
• recourse
• resort
• quick fix
• standby
• understudy

make shift

3 of 3

phrase

as in cope

to meet one's day-to-day needs

They were able to make shift without borrowing money.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cope
• do
• get on
• get by
• get along
• make out
• manage
• make ends meet
• make do
• survive
• shift
• fare
• carry on
• afford
• fend for oneself
• scrape (by or through)
• eke out
• last
• scrape (out)
• contrive
• scrounge
• squeeze
• wring
• swing
• wrest

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fall short
• fail
• collapse
• flounder
• decline
• slump
• peter (out)
• wane
• fizzle
• give up

Synonym Chooser

How is the word makeshift different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of makeshift are expedient, resort, resource, shift, and stopgap. While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

When is expedient a more appropriate choice than makeshift?

The words expedient and makeshift are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

How are the words resource and resort related as synonyms of makeshift?

Both resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon.

exhausted all of their resources

a last resort

Where would shift be a reasonable alternative to makeshift?

Although the words shift and makeshift have much in common, shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

When could stopgap be used to replace makeshift?

The words stopgap and makeshift can be used in similar contexts, but stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of makeshift

Adjective

Outside of their sheltered practice area, kids played on a carousel and ran around playing makeshift games of tag. —Ben Church, CNN Money, 12 June 2026

Today’s options are available in a range of finishes, silhouettes, and configurations for a dedicated office or makeshift workspace. —Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026

Nearby the Kennedy Center earlier on Friday, UFC held a press conference at the Lincoln Memorial, a prelude to the cage match at the White House on Sunday, held in a giant makeshift arena. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 June 2026

There was a heavy police presence and barricades were being set up to control pedestrian flow, but the makeshift walls from Monday were no longer creating a perimeter around the arena. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 11 June 2026

This cozy travel blanket folds neatly into a compact pouch, taking up far less room than expected, and the carrying case can even double as a makeshift pillow. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026

Back at the home on Rensellor Road, a makeshift memorial with flowers and candles has been created. —Julia Avant, CBS News, 11 June 2026

Upon his arrival, Leo went straight to the port in Arguineguín, where in 2020 arrivals reached such numbers that migrants were forced to sleep on the dock in makeshift camps in the open air. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

Employees at the makeshift detention center were also subjected to similar conditions. —Miami Herald, 11 June 2026