Synonyms of stopgap

stopgap 1 of 2

noun

ˈstäp-ˌgap 

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

• substitute
• makeshift
• backup
• expedient
• refuge
• recourse
• stand-in
• alternate
• quick fix
• resort
• standby
• understudy

stopgap

2 of 2

adjective

as in makeshift

Related Words

• makeshift
• backup
• proxy
• substitute
• make-do
• alternate
• interim
• temporary
• acting
• provisional
• jackleg
• provisory
• ad interim
• provisionary

Dissimilar Words

• permanent
• long-term

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

Recent Examples of stopgap

Noun

With injuries hobbling its other quarterbacks, Indianapolis turned to an unusual stopgap measure in Rivers — who is older than 13 of the NFL’s 32 head coaches, including Colts coach Shane Steichen — to salvage its playoff aspirations. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 Dec. 2025

The fee is seen as a stopgap as the EU works to set up a more permanent framework to handle billions of incoming shipments across the bloc. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 13 Dec. 2025

Adjective

In exchange, Democrats would drop their demand that a longer-term extension of ACA tax credits be included in a stopgap government funding bill. —Dan Mangan,kevin Breuninger,emily Wilkins, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2025

The Kings acquired Dennis Schroder, 32, in a sign-and-trade deal with the Detroit Pistons and signed free agent Russell Westbrook, 36, but those were viewed as stopgap moves, not part of a long-term solution. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2025