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

Relevance

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
House Republicans are proposing another stopgap measure that will maintain funding levels, but Democrats want a regular appropriations plan. Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Sep. 2025 Over the last two offseasons under Stearns, the Mets mostly targeted short-term contracts with pitchers like Montas as stopgap options. Will Sammon, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Instead, the Yankees did not want to create a logjam for their top prospects, thus trading for a stopgap shortstop option in Isiah Kiner-Falefa, despite Kiner-Falefa being a primary third baseman. Tyler Small, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025 But Giovannelli said these plans are more of a stopgap for consumers. Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stopgap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stopgap
Noun
  • So flavorful is Mendel that 3BR often uses it as a substitute for gin in cocktails made in the distillery tasting room.
    Don Tse, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas within the materials sector, covering news from emerging biomaterials and alternative leathers to sustainable substitutes and future-proof fibers.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • It hadn't been fired and had a scope attached to it in a makeshift manner using electrical tape.
    Greg Allen, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The latest scramble completed, punctuating the next step in searching for a program-defining victory, Kelvin Durham took both hands and turned them into makeshift ear muffs while sauntering to the sideline.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Photograph and cloud-backup your insurance documents and IDs.
    Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • However, Dart will begin the year as his backup over Jameis Winston.
    Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Emboldened, Iran began reviving or confecting proxy forces in yet more locations.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
  • The group, also known as Ansar Allah, forms part of Tehran's wider proxy network that Israel has now vowed to eliminate.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The videos show more than a dozen people in a cramped, windowless room apparently wearing the clothes they were detained in and sleeping on make-do beds of aluminum blankets.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 23 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on stopgap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!