stopgap 1 of 2

as in substitute
a temporary replacement the coach we have now was only hired as a stopgap until someone with more experience is found

Synonyms & Similar Words

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stopgap

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stopgap different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of stopgap are expedient, makeshift, resort, resource, and shift. While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

When can expedient be used instead of stopgap?

The synonyms expedient and stopgap 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

In what contexts can makeshift take the place of stopgap?

While the synonyms makeshift and stopgap are close in meaning, makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

How are the words resource and resort related as synonyms of stopgap?

Both resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon.

exhausted all of their resources
a last resort

When might shift be a better fit than stopgap?

The words shift and stopgap can be used in similar contexts, but shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

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 stopgap
Adjective
There were other culinary stopgaps for us children on the move. Robert Klose, Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2025 This surge suggests that many organizations are unprepared for sudden leadership transitions, often resorting to interim appointments as a stopgap measure. Solange Charas, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 Other voices – including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg – see nuclear energy as a stopgap or stepping stone on the way to more renewable solutions, such as wind and solar technologies. Jack Cooksey, USA Today, 21 May 2025 The tech titan plans to send more iPhones from India to the U.S. to offset the tariff costs as a short-term stopgap in hopes of getting an exemption from the tariffs, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stopgap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stopgap
Noun
  • There is no substitute for these resources – not from philanthropy, industry or states.
    Shalin Jyotishi, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Disappointed that there was no face-to-face meeting; phone conversations are a substitute.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Jordan Mason was also acquired in an offseason trade to be the team's backup running back.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • The interchange at Route 15 and Interstate 91 sees among the worst backups in the state, in both directions.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Until now, iPad users had to rely on WhatsApp Web to run the messaging service on their tablets, which is a make-do solution that lacks the full suite of features.
    Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Some were make-do solutions installed by IT and not documented, and others were put there by employees tired of waiting for more storage.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stopgap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stopgap. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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