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

Related Words

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

Warehouse on Wheels, which has more than 36,000 storage trailers serving a wide range of industries since it was founded in 2017, is banking on the industry’s need for stopgap measures. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 Despite some opposition from a handful of progressives and hardline conservatives, the stopgap measure, which the Senate already approved in a bipartisan vote in August, overwhelmingly passed the House, too. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Adjective

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a stopgap measure that would continue funding the US government through early December. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026 Top Republican and Democratic appropriators in the Senate announced on Sunday an agreement on a stopgap funding bill. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stopgap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stopgap

Noun

Fight to Unite might appear to be a substitute for the missing Las Vegas festival, but bringing Punk Rock Bowling to Los Angeles has been discussed for years.

— Dick Slaughter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
There is no substitute for the human connection, human thought, human nuance.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of substitute

Adjective

While certainly an improvement on the current barriers (which are a shockingly makeshift solution for a museum that cost over $1 billion), the plaza’s main entryways will remain gated off, confirmed both Lu and Lucas Museum spokesperson Seth Fowler.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Many of these migrants navigate the passage on makeshift boats that can capsize in treacherous waters.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of makeshift

Noun

For Syracuse, the decision to go with backup Amari Odom over Steve Angeli at quarterback may have been a season-changer.

— Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 3 Oct. 2026
Williams was an obvious successor after rushing for 443 yards and seven touchdowns over his first two seasons as a backup.

— Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of backup

Adjective

The conflict has also turned into a regional proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with the United States long involved on the periphery, providing intelligence assistance to the kingdom.

— Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
In the proxy statement sent out a month later, departing residents were promised five free nights in a suite at one of Dorchester’s other high-end hotels, plus a set of perks.

— Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of proxy

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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stopgap

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