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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 Human lives are at risk, with scarce rescue resources, as is the marine environment. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025 Indianapolis schools saddened by sudden loss The program provided after-school programming, STEM summer camps, mentoring, and other college planning resources to nine school districts across the state when the grant was stopped. Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025 Food banks with more resources can be more creative. ProPublica, 3 Oct. 2025 The 30-year-old, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, announced in August that applications were open for the Leading Vibe Initiative, a training program made up of workshops, resources, and mentorship for women aged 18 to 35 who want to pursue a career in the music industry. Vivianne Wandera, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resource
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource
Noun
  • The middle of the playoffs is an opportunity to make up ground.
    Tyler Palmateer, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The Aces, unlike the Mercury, wouldn’t let their opportunity on their home court go to waste.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Republican bill did crack down on that practice but California − which has put new restrictions and payments on its Medi-Cal plan for undocumented immigrants − maintains that effort is paid for out of state funds, not federal money (because it's prohibited).
    Todd Spangler, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • There’s also a large amount of funds earmarked for the three-year mark.
    Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resource

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