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

Relevance
2

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 group also connects South Asian candidates with information and resources. Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026 Literacy screenings are not typically conducted in medical settings, but several prominent pediatric care centers, including Boston Children’s Hospital, promote early literacy resources to families in recognition of reading's importance for a child's development. ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026 And resources tend to concentrate. Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 25 Feb. 2026 His office has not answered when asked if the governor has directed the use of any state resources to check on the children. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resource
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource
Noun
  • The visit is also an opportunity to model activities that parents can do at home with their kids, such as reading a book aloud, said Carneshia Edwards, who leads the hospital’s kindergarten readiness team.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Rubio said the administration wants to strengthen ties with the region in the wake of the Venezuela operation and ensure that issues such as crime and economic opportunities are jointly addressed.
    DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The bill would transition funds for family support services and parent education programs to Iowa HHS control to better draw down federal funds.
    Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Haiti’s Superior Court of Auditors has said the funds, intended to rebuild the country after the 2010 earthquake, were squandered during the administration of former President Michel Martelly.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on resource

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster