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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Dissimilar Words

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

That, however, was merely a stopgap put in place after the Supreme Court ruling, as Section 122 of the Act specifies that such import surcharges can only be prescribed over 150 days unless Congress extends it. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 24 July 2026 The comment came after the House of Representatives passed a stopgap funding resolution that would keep the government open through early December. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 23 July 2026

Adjective

What appeared to be a stopgap feud with Fatu, however, has produced compelling TV on Raw, where The Bloodline family drama has been reignited. — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 And the rest of the blue line is loaded with stopgap veterans such as Dmitry Orlov, John Klingberg, Nick Leddy and Mario Ferraro. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for stopgap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stopgap

Noun

Lawmakers could offer substitute proposals, with final votes after 100 hours of debate.

— Kevin Freking, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Quinta de la Rosa Extra Dry White Port Perfumed with a note of pear, this offering is a great lower-alcohol substitute for gin or vodka in most cocktails but equally quaffable when splashed with tonic or seltzer.

— Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of substitute

Adjective

One day, Parton fashioned a makeshift microphone by putting a tobacco stick into the ground and placing a tin can on top, performing a show of her own.

— Shima Oliaee, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
The trailer contained a makeshift toilet fashioned from an upside-down plastic bucket, a trash bag and a toilet seat, according to prosecutors.

— Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of makeshift

Noun

There aren’t that many practice reps available during the season for one backup let alone two.

— Jon Machota, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Since the late 1990s, taxpayers have been funding a program to stash extra Colorado River water underground, with the idea that it could be used as a backup in times of shortage.

— Alex Hager, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of backup

Adjective

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
Chess pie hails from an era of make-do pies.

— Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2026

Definition of make-do

Browse Nearby Words

stopcocks

stopgap

stopgaps

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“Stopgap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stopgap. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of stopgap

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adjective

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