Definition of resourcenext
1
as in opportunity
something that one uses to accomplish an end especially when the usual means is not available we used every possible resource to raise the funds needed to save our town's oldest house

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of resource are expedient, makeshift, resort, 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 can expedient be used instead of resource?

The synonyms expedient and resource are sometimes interchangeable, but expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

When could makeshift be used to replace resource?

The meanings of makeshift and resource largely overlap; however, makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

Where would shift be a reasonable alternative to resource?

While in some cases nearly identical to resource, shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

When is stopgap a more appropriate choice than resource?

Although the words stopgap and resource have much in common, 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 resource Prosecutors say the case is being brought as part of the Justice Department’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, a nationwide effort launched in 2006 to combat child exploitation and better coordinate resources to locate victims and prosecute those who endanger them. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026 Not all can jump in with the expertise or resources to install monitors that track temperature and humidity. Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2026 Its use in the boarding operation in the open waters of the Indian Ocean gives an indication of the vast resources the US Navy has to impose a blockade and enforce sanctions. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026 Become a Vogue Business Member—the ultimate resource for fashion and beauty industry professionals. Luna Adler, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resource
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource
Noun
  • Wemby likely won’t miss the entire series with a concussion, but Portland has a great opportunity to put the Spurs in a hole with two home games coming up.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • One of Kukuiʻula’s unique amenities is the 10-acre upcountry organic farm, which provides produce and flowers for the resort community as well as opportunities for residents to connect with the land by harvesting crops, cutting tropical blooms, picnicking, or hiking and biking.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • All this in an environment where politicians like Jeff Bridges (running for state treasurer who lives in the Cherry Creek school district) whine and snivel about his associates in the teachers’ union not having the funds to effectively teach our kids.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Small municipalities typically have neither the expertise nor the funds to adequately secure their infrastructure, leaving them open to intrusion.
    Sue Halpern, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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