Definition of resortnext
1
as in haunt
a place for spending time or for socializing the island port was once the resort of smugglers, pirates, and other unsavory characters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in opportunity
something that one uses to accomplish an end especially when the usual means is not available use this money only as a last resort

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word resort different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of resort are expedient, makeshift, resource, shift, and stopgap. While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon.

exhausted all of their resources
a last resort

When is expedient a more appropriate choice than resort?

Although the words expedient and resort have much in common, expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

When can makeshift be used instead of resort?

In some situations, the words makeshift and resort are roughly equivalent. However, makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

When would shift be a good substitute for resort?

The meanings of shift and resort largely overlap; however, shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

When could stopgap be used to replace resort?

While the synonyms stopgap and resort are close in meaning, 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 resort Filmed over the course of five years, the feature follows four young students at Academia de Bachata, a music conservatory in the beachside resort town of Cabarete. Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026 The Aurora City Council has approved special rules around the sale of liquor and other alcohol at the new Hollywood Casino resort, which is still under construction. R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026 The president’s Mar-a-Lago resort is part of Gregory’s district, which is anchored by Palm Beach. Bill Barrow, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026 No wonder many people consider the Grand Velas resort chain among the best all-inclusive beach resorts in the world. Sheryl Nance Nash, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resort
Noun
  • There’s a lot of historical buildings from 75 years ago that are favored haunts, and then there’s a lot of rock ‘n’ roll clubs from 50 years ago, like the Troubadour and the Whisky a-Go-Go.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Shane, whose run in All Out at the Nederlander Theater ends March 8, took some time to show Condé Nast Traveler some of his favorite Manhattan haunts—from a five-star hotel to a tawdry nightclub to the first brow aesthetician that put him at ease.
    Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The rapid proliferation of art biennials in the ’90s gave them plenty of opportunities and reflected a world reorganizing itself after the Cold War.
    Daniel Birnbaum, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Shamet was fouled on the play and missed the and-one free throw, but second-year backup big man Ariel Hukporti grabbed the offensive rebound to create a second shot opportunity.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Steve founded the firm in 1993, following a dispute in which families sought legal recourse after children became seriously ill from contaminated fast food.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The bill, if enacted in its current draft, could also give the state and project operators the power to regulate underground transit systems, leaving municipalities like Nashville with little recourse to address fires or other emergencies, and workplace safety or pollution concerns.
    Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • So do resources, attention, and infrastructure.
    Manuela Moscoso, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Geological drilling campaigns have produced resource estimates that are still being analyzed and updated by mining specialists.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resort. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

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