stopgap

noun

stop·​gap ˈstäp-ˌgap How to pronounce stopgap (audio)
often attributive
: something that serves as a temporary expedient : makeshift
stopgap measures
Choose the Right Synonym for stopgap

resource, resort, expedient, shift, makeshift, stopgap mean something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply.

resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon.

exhausted all of their resources
a last resort

expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

Examples of stopgap in a Sentence

The new law is intended only as a stopgap. the coach we have now was only hired as a stopgap until someone with more experience is found
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Instead, these concurrent rollouts have acted as a stopgap that’s been creatively fulfilling and drama-free — especially since a date has already been set for everyone to return to the BLACKPINK mothership for a world tour. Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2025 The Democratic leader said his caucus remains committed to negotiating a stopgap spending deal with Republicans that could avert a government shutdown as soon as next week. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2025 The government has been operating on stopgap funding measures and fiscal 2024 spending levels since last September. Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025 Negotiators have even started to consider a stopgap funding bill at existing levels through the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stopgap

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stopgap was in 1684

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Cite this Entry

“Stopgap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stopgap. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

stopgap

noun
stop·​gap ˈstäp-ˌgap How to pronounce stopgap (audio)
: something that fills a gap : a temporary substitute

More from Merriam-Webster on stopgap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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