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
And is this a long-term fix or a stopgap to compensate for hardware trade-offs? Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 The Bronx Bombers have divided time at third base over the first three weeks of the season between Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza, but neither appears to be more than a stopgap. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 Thomas Bryant and Tony Bradley were decent stopgaps, but a pick on a developmental center makes sense. Law Murray, New York Times, 22 June 2025 But the temporary funding is only a stopgap until the city can create a plan to maintain the fire rings on its own. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for stopgap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stopgap
Noun
  • The information provided here is not legal advice and does not purport to be a substitute for advice of counsel on any specific matter.
    Wen Xie, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Charlie Tasker, a 19-year-old right-back with a strong work ethic who gets up and down the pitch, was an unused substitute in five of Brighton’s Premier League games in April before injuries affected his chances of further involvement.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 30 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
  • The show has a punk rock, garage band, DIY, mix tape, basement, make-do sensibility, flowing from the band and album inspiring its title.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Stopgap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stopgap. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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