make-do 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of make-donext
as in makeshift

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

make do

2 of 2

phrase

as in cope
to meet one's day-to-day needs She could make do just fine and didn't need anyone's help.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 make-do
Adjective
Yet even this make-do meal felt extravagant. — Reem Kassis, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025 The show has a punk rock, garage band, DIY, mix tape, basement, make-do sensibility, flowing from the band and album inspiring its title. — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Phrase
In schools that stayed open during the June heat wave, children and teachers made do with low-tech solutions like mini handheld fans and water sprayer bottles to stay cool. — ABC News, 6 July 2026 But a developer would need to make do with no balconies, no pool and the architectural confines that come with a stone building that was designed for trials, not open-concept kitchens and heated bathroom floors. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for make-do
Recent Examples of Synonyms for make-do
  1. makeshift
  2. make ends meet
  3. backup
  4. substitute
  5. stopgap
Adjective
  • In a victory march across the makeshift bridge, the soldiers transported 140 Carthaginian elephants from Sicily to Rome’s Circus Maximus, according to the first-century historian Pliny the Elder.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • One photo depicts a person curled up on a piece of cardboard, using a pillow and, as a makeshift blanket, a tarp.
    — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of makeshift
Phrase
  • In a time when life is becoming increasingly unaffordable and people are struggling to make ends meet, the Miami Herald wants to know what’s impacting your decision to donate to religious institutions.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
  • Many middle-class families earn too much to qualify for government assistance but still struggle to make ends meet.
    — Kaysia Earley, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026
Definition of make ends meet
Adjective
  • Wheeler, 35, has another year left on her deal, but a $625,000 cap hit for a player who would be a backup point guard on most teams is a tough sell.
    — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
  • Alvarez, a backup dancer, and Grande dated from 2015 to 2016.
    — Debbie Day, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 2026
Definition of backup
Adjective
  • But one mistake from a substitute keeper, and the Red Devils are out of the World Cup.
    — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
  • Canada’s World Cup ended with Davies making just one substitute appearance in five games.
    — Carl Anka, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of substitute
Adjective
  • This appears to be a stopgap measure with Lindor’s return on the horizon.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026
  • What appeared to be a stopgap feud with Fatu, however, has produced compelling TV on Raw, where The Bloodline family drama has been reignited.
    — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Definition of stopgap

Browse Nearby Words

make common cause
make-do
make do
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Make-do.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make-do. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on make-do

Nglish: Translation of make-do for Spanish Speakers

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