Synonyms of resort

resort

noun

ri-ˈzȯrt 

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

• haunt
• hangout
• rendezvous
• haven
• club
• refuge
• clubhouse
• stamping ground
• stomping ground
• country club
• camp
• service club
• retreat
• union
• purlieu
• sanctuary
• key club
• harbor
• nest
• canteen
• harborage

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

• opportunity
• recourse
• resource
• possibility
• expedient
• substitute
• replacement
• relief
• makeshift
• hope
• stopgap

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

Recent Examples of resort

Shittiest resort in the Pacific but the drinks are free. —Jonathan Miles, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

The 25th Winter Olympics will unfold in and around the hubs of the northern Italian city of Milan and swanky mountain resort of Cortina from February 6 to 22. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026

Kids are welcomed with activity passports along with colouring pencils, colour sheets and a collage book of resort activities, and there are various indoor and outdoor activities on offer, including treasure hunts and cooking classes in cute little chef jackets. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026

An $850,000 ecotourism resort in Costa Rica for a study abroad program became a rallying cry for his detractors, and a scathing audit uncovered other questionable decisions. —Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Phrases Containing resort

• resort (to)