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

The Wildcats thumped Colorado last Saturday in their final game at the makeshift facility, banked along Lake Michigan, that has served as the team’s temporary home for the last two years. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Two of the usual product tills were transformed into makeshift vanities for about a dozen beauty lovers to test an assortment of serums and creams. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026

Instead of being in classrooms with whiteboards and desks, however, most sat on the floor in makeshift structures or tents. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Sep. 2026

In the days after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, makeshift memorials started to appear around the perimeter of Ground Zero and at sites around the world associated with the United States. — Hari Kunzru, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Picture show In the heart of Chennai, India, the Kasimedu Fishing Harbour serves as a makeshift market where residents battle the sea for survival and a wage. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026

Every year, live chickens are confined and slaughtered at makeshift sites on Brooklyn streets and sidewalks. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026

Lynn looked toward the ground and was eyeing Highland or Los Feliz for a makeshift landing spot. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

This one was fashioned into a makeshift purse by an Athens, Georgia, drag queen to collect donations for HIV research. — Charlotte Observer, 19 Sep. 2026