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 Taxpayers and families deserve transparency and accountability in how resources are used. Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Instead of guessing where to start hunting, teams can see a list of concrete issues, tied to actual resources, in a single view. Sacbee.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Others including Ariana Grande, Jennifer Aniston, Amanda Seyfried, Hilary Swank and Justin Theroux have reshared anti-ICE content and resources for protesters on social media. Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026 The Idaho Tax Commission provides access to free resources for e-filing on its website. Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resource
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource
Noun
  • More opportunity means more decisions with real downside.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Gallup data shows a similar tilt with more Americans viewing AI as a threat rather than opportunity.
    Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The cost for the statue is estimated at $300,000, with half of the funds already raised by two large donations from Rainbow Sandals and Sonance, an audio equipment company based in San Clemente, as well as several smaller community contributions.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Marine Le Pen faces potential disqualification from the 2027 presidential election after a March 2025 conviction for embezzling EU funds—a 5-year ban from public office unless overturned on appeal.
    Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on resource

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