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 The partnership remains critical to Microsoft's cloud business, as demand continues to soar for the computing resources required to run big models. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 13 May 2026 During on-campus welcome programming for new students in June, July and August, the credit union plans to provide financial education and resources to 9,000 incoming first-year students and 4,000 transfer students. Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026 If the South Carolina Attorney General's Office does prosecute again, after the Supreme Court noted significant effort and resources went into the first trial, then the state's Circuit Court system will schedule a new trial and its venue. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 13 May 2026 Councilmembers noted Tuesday that resources remain limited despite widespread support for many city programs. Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for resource
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource
Noun
  • Many see Jordan as a way station to permanent resettlement in Canada, the United States, or Europe, where the economic opportunities are better.
    Annie Hylton, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • This role gives him the opportunity to explore different departments before eventually committing to a specialty.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • In the latest round of budget offers Thursday evening, the House didn’t include money for two programs championed by first lady Casey DeSantis — a cancer research innovation fund and a food testing program.
    Gray Rohrer, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2026
  • Instead of multiple private insurance companies, a single fund collects money (usually through taxes) and pays doctors, hospitals, and other providers for covered care.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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