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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 According a Reuters report, the KIA was seeking to use the resources as leverage against Beijing. Dylan Butts, CNBC, 24 June 2025 The Fed has the necessary resources to stave off a possible cyberattack, according to Powell. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 24 June 2025 In addition to this new healthcare partnership, Caesars Palace Times Square has committed to new public safety resources, enhanced sanitation, and a tree-planting program. Greg Evans, Deadline, 24 June 2025 Multiple paramedical resources were mobilized, according to French outlet Le Républicain Lorrain. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for resource
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource
Noun
  • Gilmore acknowledges the game isn’t the same now with name, image and likeness opportunities and, soon, direct payments to athletes becoming larger factors in putting together and keeping together a team.
    Eric Olson, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
  • This opportunity explains why VW has continued to work on autonomous ride hailing while car companies like General Motors and Ford have already given up after nearly a decade of hype and billions of dollars invested.
    Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • The budget prioritizes children, would boost funds for nonprofit social service agencies two years from now, and would increase taxes on corporations.
    Gabby DeBenedictis, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
  • Burnley have never been a big spending club in the past, but that changed two years ago when their manager at the time, Vincent Kompany, was given substantial funds to upgrade his Championship-winning squad ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resource

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