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 As a parent, there is nothing more important to me than making sure children have the resources and support to flourish in life. Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 Founded in 1982 and currently almost 1,200 members strong, Casting Society is a global resource for producers, directors and creative teams seeking casting professionals. Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 3 June 2026 Levin-Scherz noted reports of increasing visit intensity, reflecting the time and resources a doctor spends on a patient and resulting in higher payment. Michelle Andrews, CBS News, 3 June 2026 Some investors have speculated of late that Musk’s ultimate plan could be to merge SpaceX and Tesla as a way to consolidate artificial intelligence resources and to streamline future capital raises. Ari Levy, CNBC, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for resource
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource
Noun
  • Robinson might not draw the primary defensive assignment guarding Spurs star big man Victor Wembanyama, a job that could fall to the Knicks' fleet of wings, but Robinson's offensive rebounding will be critical in not allowing second-chance opportunities.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 4 June 2026
  • Wednesday provided an opportunity for one of college football's most important figures, former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban, to give Congress his thoughts directly.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Getting warships into the water is hard enough without wasting funds on vessels unlikely ever to sail.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
  • Wildfire resiliency advocates are warning that the loss of these funds will leave the state vulnerable to devastation, and are calling on California’s next governor to take that threat seriously.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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