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

Balloons, a Colombian soccer jersey, dozens of flowers and handwritten notes – some with expletives; others, crayon drawings from children – decorated the makeshift memorial at the intersection of Hill and Pool streets. — Cindy Carcamo, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2026

Authorities said the makeshift incendiary device was made with fireworks and a flammable liquid. — Alexx Altman-Devilbiss, Baltimore Sun, 20 July 2026

Staff ordered traffic cones—a nod to the Scottish tradition of wearing them as makeshift headwear during celebrations—and had fans sign them. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 19 July 2026

On Wednesday, Fanuele’s friends gathered at the bridge and left flowers at a makeshift memorial, KTLA reported. — Seamus Bozeman follow, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2026

His songs are populated by blue-collar trappers who have to gas up their cars in enemy territory, travel on the Megabus, and create makeshift masks by tying T-shirts around their faces. — Drew Millard, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026

As more travelers stopped, a uniformed Transportation Security Administration officer stood in front of the agents and the man, creating a makeshift perimeter, video shows. — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Eileen Tyrrell, a 27-year-old bookseller, pulled the cushions off her couch to arrange makeshift seating in her Brooklyn apartment. — Grey Battle, Washington Post, 16 July 2026

This kind of makeshift air cleaner was in use for wildfire smoke mitigation before the COVID-19 pandemic. — Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 16 July 2026