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 These experiences taught me accountability, leadership, resource management, and how to make difficult decisions under pressure. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 But of late, some projects have faced public backlash over the use of water and power resources. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 The home was in a state of collapse until the town board members raised funds for its restoration, an ongoing project that Brewster-walker says would benefit from resources if Montaukett tribal status is restored. — Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026 Johnson's appearance underscores the Republican Party's effort to invest time and resources in competitive congressional districts ahead of the midterms. — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resource
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource
Noun
  • In the 1950s, bluestripe snapper, also known in Hawai’i by its Tahitian name, ta’ape, was introduced to O’ahu, when roughly 3,000 fish were released to bolster fishing opportunities and establish a new food source.
    — Victoria Malloy, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The opportunity now is to build on these lessons through closer cooperation across governments, industry, technology and capital in order to create energy systems that can perform reliably as demand and complexity continue to grow.
    — H.E. Dr Abdulla Saif Al Jarwan, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Over the past two months, amid efforts to find what could be more than $20 billion to recapitalize insurance funds, Walter has sold his controlling interest in the Lakers and a minority share of Chelsea, the English Premier League club.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • LendingTree advises would-be parents to start a dedicated savings fund early, even years before a child arrives, and to park it in a high-yield savings account so interest can compound.
    — Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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