expedient 1 of 2

expedient

2 of 2

noun

1
as in substitute
a temporary replacement if you're a spectator caught without rainwear at a sporting event, then a plastic garbage bag makes an acceptable, if unfashionable, expedient

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in opportunity
something that one uses to accomplish an end especially when the usual means is not available since there wasn't a single bandage left in our backpacks, we had to use a bandanna, our only expedient

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word expedient distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words advisable and politic are common synonyms of expedient. While all three words mean "dictated by practical or prudent motives," expedient usually implies what is immediately advantageous without regard for ethics or consistent principles.

a politically expedient decision

How is advisable related to other words for expedient?

Advisable applies to what is practical, prudent, or advantageous but lacks the derogatory implication of expedient and politic.

sometimes it's advisable to say nothing

When could politic be used to replace expedient?

While in some cases nearly identical to expedient, politic stresses judiciousness and tactical value but usually implies some lack of candor or sincerity.

a politic show of interest

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 expedient
Adjective
The discomforts include not just his recent and possibly expedient diagnosis of bipolar disorder but also the return of the other prodigal, Nazareth. Jesse Green, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2025 Finding someone to out-Trump Trump might look like an expedient solution to an immediate problem. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
Accomplished by the simple expedient of signing the president’s name. William W Bedsworth, Oc Register, 26 May 2025 Although nobody with even a minimal knowledge of the Troubles believes Adams, many republicans accept his dissembling as a politically expedient ruse, designed in part to give the British, the unionists, and other interested parties political cover for dealing with Sinn Fein. Jonathan Stevenson, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2019 See All Example Sentences for expedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient
Adjective
  • Compliance Simplified One can interpret the intention behind ASC 820 as aiding prudent investment decision making by increasing consistency, transparency and comparability in financial reporting.
    Tomas Milar, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • In accordance with the new laws that went into effect on July 1, condominium association directors are now able to use their best efforts with community reserve funds to make prudent investment decisions.
    L. Chere Trigg, Miami Herald, 17 July 2025
Noun
  • Vought left the meeting saying there would be a substitute amendment that would eliminate $400 million in cuts to an AIDS prevention program, one of the main concerns of Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.
    July 16, CBS News, 16 July 2025
  • The collard greens were a substitute food for that day and not posted on the day’s menu, according to health department documents.
    Julia Ainsley, NBC news, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Each space offers an opportunity for Sofia to remake herself.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
  • The 30th anniversary of Java, which the Java community is celebrating this year, offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on the remarkable changes the ecosystem has undergone.
    Alexander Belokrylov, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Success, while desirable, can breed complacency and even a sense of entitlement, thus diluting urgency.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • The most desirable 914/4s are early 2.0-liter models, which range from around $30,000 to $100,000.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • These rules and measures must regulate the conduct of public and private operators within the States’ jurisdiction or control and be accompanied by effective enforcement and monitoring mechanisms to ensure their implementation.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The department first introduced the program earlier this summer as one of its measures to combat an uptick in crime across the city, particularly in the urban core.
    Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • Los Angeles entertainment attorney Tre Lovell told Newsweek that Byron has no legal recourse against the band or venue for showing his image on the big screen.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
  • Their property was taken with little to no recourse.
    Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • The wise stargazer brings warm clothes, bug spray and snacks — and takes breaks from staring at the sky every 30 minutes or so.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • For investors, is the resolve to assume tariff threats are bluffs and the impact easily handled a wise stance based on lessons learned in the April overshoot sell-off?
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • But as both chambers fall behind in their annual funding work, some are already expecting a stopgap measure will be needed to prevent a shutdown in October and buy Congress more time to strike an eventual bicameral funding deal for fiscal 2026.
    Aris Folley, The Hill, 10 July 2025
  • Temporary nuclear waste storage sites run by private companies have emerged as a stopgap solution while the federal government searches for a permanent one.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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