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

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

as in makeshift

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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

The proposal received tens of thousands of comments in opposition, and its implementation was blocked by Congress’s stopgap spending bill. — STAT, 23 Sep. 2026 Nonetheless, without the surplus lines stopgap, home construction would be hobbled, experts said. — Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Doctors interviewed for this story say past measures have been stopgap solutions -– for example, cracking down on unregistered clinics in Taunsa and suspending a local hospital superintendent. — Betsy Joles, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a stopgap measure that would continue funding the US government through early December. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stopgap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stopgap

Noun

For example, a company could require a provider to demonstrate that its cybersecurity software was examined by a particular model rather than a cheaper substitute.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Haney urged jurors not to let Rinderknecht’s private messages, searches or personality substitute for proof of arson.

— Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of substitute

Adjective

Most of the people arriving from Cuba at the height of the influx in 2022 and 2023 came in groups on makeshift vessels, not by smugglers.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Some injured passengers and crew members were taken to a sports hall as makeshift emergency stations were set up, Manuel Galán, the mayor of Urda near the city of Toledo, said, per The Guardian.

— Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of makeshift

Noun

Madsen suffered an apparent left knee injury in the fourth quarter of Boise State’s 46-45 win over Texas State on Saturday, leading senior backup Max Cutforth to finish the final 8 minutes of the game.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 2 Nov. 2026
Home backup power is shifting toward longer lifespans, higher efficiency, and entirely new battery chemistries.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of backup

Adjective

Critics complained, justifiably, that the 2015 deal did not prevent Iran from supporting proxy groups or limit its ballistic missile program.

— S. C. M. Paine, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026
Broker-dealers are required to forward proxy materials to beneficial owners, while much of the reimbursement framework is governed by industry rules rather than freely negotiated by Broadridge.

— Isabella Gao, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of proxy

Adjective

While recent headlines around the state of the UK art market have typically painted a gloomy picture, on the ground, a palpable buoyancy — or make-do optimism, even — can be felt.

— Mahoro Seward, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
The foundational text of Parton’s career, this 1971 single lovingly details her mother’s make-do resilience, stitching a fall coat from scraps of cloth in the spirit of a beloved Bible story.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of make-do

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stopcocks

stopgap

stopgaps

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“Stopgap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stopgap. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of stopgap

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