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
Noun
Republican lawmakers have been pushing Democrats to pass a stopgap bill to temporarily fund the government until an agreement can be reached. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025 Republicans argue that Democrats are making unreasonable demands on a stopgap bill that historically has served as a narrow, short-term bridge. Nik Popli, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Johnson argues the House has already passed legislation to fund the government that would pay the military in the form of a stopgap funding bill, and that a stand-alone bill would take Democrats off the hook. Al Weaver, The Hill, 13 Oct. 2025 But Green clearly leaned on Sebrango’s physicality and his chemistry with Matinpalo as a stopgap. Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stopgap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stopgap
Noun
  • Mild and sweet, nutmeg is a natural substitute in custards, baked goods, and other types of desserts.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025
  • But high-tech substitutes aren't ready.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Because many designs in the 1970s focused on open-concept designs, noise in the previous building could be distracting for classes, and teachers had made makeshift walls using bookshelves in an attempt to keep noise out, Bookhout said.
    Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Young, though, was only hit twice in the first quarter, which was a credit to the makeshift offensive line group.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His backup, Jacoby Brissett, did it last Sunday against a good Colts defense.
    Vic Tafur, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The longer the shutdown lasts, the greater the risk of cargo backups at these Texas ports due to unpaid employees calling in sick.
    NPR, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The deal has received criticism with key proxy advisor Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) recommending on Monday that shareholders vote against the acquisition.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
  • When reached for comment, representatives from Glass Lewis and ISS directed Fortune to their respective proxy papers on Tesla.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet even this make-do meal felt extravagant.
    Reem Kassis, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Despite its make-do simplicity, bulldog gravy is delicious when made with flavorful fat, such as from smoky bacon.
    Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stopgap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stopgap. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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