STOPGAP Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

stopgap 1 of 2

noun

ˈstäp-ˌgap

Definition of stopgap next

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

Relevance

stopgap

2 of 2

adjective

as in makeshift

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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

Noun

Adding a stopgap such as Russell Wilson wouldn’t have made a ton of sense, either. —

Vincent Frank, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 Ousting Gensler was a stopgap anyway; a successor could be equally tough on crypto. —

Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 8 Oct. 2024 But House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana is currently trying pair the controversial legislation with a stopgap funding bill that would help avoid a partial government shutdown at the end of this month. —

Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 16 Sep. 2024 Federal pandemic relief aid and a bipartisan $10 million stopgap measure delayed the deepest cuts, but those were temporary solutions. —

Ashley Luthern, Journal Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stopgap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stopgap

Noun

This natural sugar retains its molasses content and can be used as a substitute for white sugar in baking.

Fred Sassani, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
The information provided here is not legal advice and does not purport to be a substitute for advice of counsel on any specific matter.

Sam Silverman, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024