Synonyms of make-do

make-do 1 of 2

adjective

as in makeshift

Related Words

• makeshift
• backup
• substitute
• stopgap
• proxy
• alternate
• acting
• interim
• temporary
• provisional
• jackleg
• provisory
• ad interim
• provisionary

Dissimilar Words

• permanent
• long-term

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

• cope
• do
• make out
• make ends meet
• get on
• get by
• make shift
• get along
• manage
• survive
• fare
• shift
• afford
• carry on
• fend for oneself
• eke out
• last
• scrape (by or through)
• contrive
• scrape (out)
• scrounge
• squeeze
• wring
• wrest
• swing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fall short
• fail
• collapse
• flounder
• decline
• slump
• peter (out)
• wane
• give up
• fizzle

Example Sentences

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