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 The site is an underrated resource for trendy shoes any day of the year, but this week’s discounts mean that so many cute pairs are even more affordable now. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 24 June 2026 As defense programs push AI capabilities closer to the tactical edge, systems must analyze information where it is collected instead of relying on distant computing resources. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026 Goods and resources were likely brought from the countryside and settlements like Søften, before entering an extensive international trade network, Andersen said. James Brooks, Fortune, 24 June 2026 Ultimately, the report recommends prioritizing improvements to NASA's transportation networks, utility systems and resource distribution infrastructure while exploring additional funding mechanisms to support future upgrades. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for resource
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource
Noun
  • The band had been denied the opportunity to perform during Haiti’s pre-World Cup friendly against Peru, despite the presence of a Peruvian band.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
  • Bosnia-Herzegovina rallied today to give itself the best possible opportunity to advance.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • One of the broad areas the fund is focused on is insurance, Niven said, naming broker and reinsurer Aon and Canadian insurer Intact Financial as two of its holdings in the sector.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 27 June 2026
  • Despite the extra funding, the budget continues a trend of relying on reserves, shifting funds, borrowing and suspending debt payments to balance state spending.
    Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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