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

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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
Adjective
With 11 more appropriations bills to consider in the House, all dozen needing votes in the Senate, and a bipartisan, bicameral top-line agreement nowhere in sight, the prospect of Congress needing to pass a stopgap when the Sept. 30 deadline arrives is becoming more and more likely. Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 23 June 2025 With Congress expected to slash federal aid soon, and with the latest state budget employing stopgap measures to comply with caps, that debate likely will resume soon. Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025 This stopgap measure was completed through personal efforts and with workers volunteering their time without pay. Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025 And is this a long-term fix or a stopgap to compensate for hardware trade-offs? Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for stopgap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stopgap
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
  • Simmons would give the Kings a capable backup for point guard Dennis Schroder, who recently came to Sacramento in a sign-and-trade deal with the Detroit Pistons.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2025
  • Lucas implores Skepta to call up fellow U.K. rappers such as Dave and Central Cee for backup, and goes on to mock his friendship with Drake.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • The show has a punk rock, garage band, DIY, mix tape, basement, make-do sensibility, flowing from the band and album inspiring its title.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Until now, iPad users had to rely on WhatsApp Web to run the messaging service on their tablets, which is a make-do solution that lacks the full suite of features.
    Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on stopgap

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