MAKE SHIFT Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

makeshift 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of makeshift

as in new

taking the place of one that came before turned a towel into a makeshift skirt

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Krukoff and Fróes lived for weeks in a makeshift camp-site, out of sight from suspicious eyes. — Literary Hub, 12 Nov. 2026 Residents resorted to zip lines and makeshift crossings until a temporary suspension bridge opened in October. — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Nov. 2026 Once birds arrive — sometimes in makeshift carriers like McDonald’s bags and Birkenstock boxes — they are transferred into brown paper bags labeled with intake time, collision location and status. — Harris Horowitz, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026 Several makeshift memorials with flowers and candles appeared across the city on Sunday. — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 8 Nov. 2026 Fans left flowers in a makeshift shrine outside Tenerife’s stadium. — ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026 On Saturday, while the rain poured down outside, Marge Simpson in yellow body paint and Carrie Bradshaw with McDonald’s bag in hand (Big is moving to Paris) strutted down a makeshift runway at the new Public Hotel in West Hollywood. — Meka Boyle, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026 With this final collection, held in the courtyard, Okuboyejo gathered friends of the brands to walk the makeshift runway, including stylist Ugo Mozie, industrial designer Nifemi Marcus-Bello, and Dada Gallery’s Oyinkan Dada. — Ezreen Benissan, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026 To accommodate local horse owners, Keeneland erected a tent for a makeshift auction. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for makeshift

Adjective

Nichols ran tests comparing sounds laid down on 24-track analog tape with those captured by a new 32-track digital unit manufactured by 3M, and found the latter superior.

— Mark Richardson, Pitchfork, 8 Nov. 2026
The Russian missiles that hit overnight across the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, damaged homes and commercial properties, triggering new power and water outages, national and city authorities said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of new

Noun

Classical conservatism is about creating conditions for human flourishing, and the angry populism of the modern era is an unsatisfying substitute for older conservative ideas.

— Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 2026
For example, the restaurant’s maple syrup is pure maple, rather than a corn syrup substitute.

— Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of substitute

Phrase

Too many people, especially lower-income families, just can’t make ends meet anymore.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2026
Thirty-eight percent report relying more on credit cards or loans to make ends meet, as prices for groceries, gas and other everyday expenses rise.

— Susan Caminiti, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of make ends meet

Adjective

The task force also recommends developing alternative response models that prioritize mental health professionals over police in appropriate situations, along with requiring less-lethal tools, training and clear use-of-force policies.

— CBS Baltimore, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
The Planning and Land Use Management Committee instructed the city Planning Department in October 2025 to explore alternative price points for appeals that would decrease the amount of money the city’s general fund would have to subsidize.

— Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of alternative

Noun

That bill stalled, and the stopgap spending law Congress passed instead left the program running.

— Lars Hanson, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026
One proposal from the OMB in particular, a set of rule changes that would have granted political appointees—and not area experts—control over which grants were approved, was voted down by Congress in a stopgap funding bill that passed in September.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of stopgap

Phrase

Unlike the light-duty, which got a new V8 related to the Corvette’s LS6, the HD makes do with the last-gen V8 architecture, still good for 412 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque.

— Byron Hurd, The Drive, 10 Nov. 2026
Yet the problem is even more pronounced for women, who are often expected to make do with workwear designed for men.

— Allison Anderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of make do

Adjective

The Pittsburgh Penguins have unveiled their Hometown Remix uniforms, the newest set of alternate uniforms designed to celebrate the culture and fans of Pittsburgh.

— Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Drivers should turn around and find an alternate route, and not underestimate the depth of floodwaters, according to the department.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of alternate

Noun

Madsen suffered an apparent left knee injury in the fourth quarter of Boise State’s 46-45 win over Texas State on Saturday, leading senior backup Max Cutforth to finish the final 8 minutes of the game.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 2 Nov. 2026
Home backup power is shifting toward longer lifespans, higher efficiency, and entirely new battery chemistries.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of backup

Browse Nearby Words

makes good (for)

makeshift

make shift

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Makeshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/makeshift. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of makeshift

adjective

noun

phrase

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