makeshift 1 of 3

Definition of makeshiftnext

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
Their dreams stay dreams, while this team, the best in the world, celebrates on a makeshift stage living out a fantasy. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026 But for those of us that have already been doing our own makeshift versions of these treats, these new snacks are a match made in heaven. Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2026 Some of the injured were treated by protesters in alleyways, or by doctors operating from makeshift clinics in their homes. Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2026 Instead of hosting premieres in movie palaces, screenings are held in dozens of makeshift theaters, with screens erected in libraries, motels and school auditoriums. Brent Lang, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026 To the left of the bar is the makeshift DJ booth. Nneka M. Okona, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Jan. 2026 In addition to going pantsless for her rendezvous, Rihanna decided to repurposes a brown shaggy stole as a makeshift belt, wrapping the accessory around her waist and over her arms. Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026 From there, settlers quickly established a foothold by creating a makeshift cultural center at the site, putting on lectures, readings and exhibits. Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026 Eyewitness Max White said another surfer had kept the man alive using his board's leg rope as a makeshift tourniquet to stem the bleeding. Alasdair Pal, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for makeshift
Adjective
  • The postponement has drawn criticism from environmental groups, while cruise operators argue that the extra time is necessary to allow new low- and zero-emission ships to enter service.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Melting sea ice has opened new shipping lanes, including the Northern Sea Route, dramatically shortening transit times between Europe and Asia.
    Paul McCarthy, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • That is the joint-highest number of goals scored by substitutes for a team in the division over the period with… Hurzeler’s Brighton.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • When CEOs treat financial advice as a substitute for judgment, leadership starts to erode, decisions slow down, and conviction weakens.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Under the structure, Solomon’s compensation is partly tied to the long-term performance of certain alternative investments managed by the firm.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Bootstrapping is an alternative funding solution that allows founders to build their companies with internal resources rather than external capital.
    William Jones, AZCentral.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The House passed three bills, along with a short-term stopgap measure, in November that brought a 43-day shutdown to an end.
    Sudiksha Kochi, The Hill, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Trump would also impose more lasting tariffs under other statutes, which allow duties on specific industries or countries, Hassett said—but those take longer to implement, so the 10% tariffs would be a stopgap in the meantime.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Tyler Huntley made it as an alternate three years ago after throwing two touchdowns and three interceptions in four starts with the Baltimore Ravens.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Some departments reduced their footprint in Sacramento after the COVID-19 pandemic forced many to work from home and, in the interim years, employees have adapted to sharing workstations with coworkers who are in offices on alternate days.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Both Green and Granick said Microsoft could have users install a key on a piece of hardware like a thumb drive, which would act as a backup or recovery key.
    Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Deputies say the officer called for backup while trying to detain Graham.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This article was generated by the Bay Area Home Report Bot, software that analyzes home sales or other data and creates an article based on a template created by humans.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The data included not only tax returns but also investment details, stock trades, gambling winnings, audit determinations, and other financial information.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Makeshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/makeshift. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

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