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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 Poverty does more than deprive people of resources. Scott Ellis, Time, 17 Oct. 2025 Sanogo said that, when individuals do not have the resources to buy everyday essentials or discretionary luxuries, seeing others treat expensive items casually can create feelings of scarcity, which may lead to envy or resentment. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 OpenAI is providing $8 million in funding and $2 million in technical resources, and Anthropic has offered $500,000. Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025 Organizations like the American Cancer Society can also connect you to a wide range of patient resources, including support groups. Jamie Ducharme, Health, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resource
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource
Noun
  • But if you too have been mesmerized by the Belle Époque aesthetics of recent video games like Lies of P and Clair Obscur, Halloween is the perfect opportunity to put on a red beret and parry with the best of them.
    James Factora, Them., 17 Oct. 2025
  • Arteta will need to use this as an opportunity to get more from other players in the squad.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His conviction stemmed from a series of criminal schemes, including submitting false campaign finance documents, misusing donor identities to route funds for personal and campaign use, and providing fraudulent information to the New York State Department of Labor and the House of Representatives.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • These funds provide supplemental instruction in reading and math, professional development for teachers, resources for parent involvement, and services for students experiencing homelessness.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resource

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