stopgap

noun

stop·gap ˈstäp-ˌgap

often attributive

Synonyms of stopgap next

: 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.

President Biden signed a three-month stopgap funding measure into law on Saturday after Congress acted at the last minute to avert a government funding lapse. —

Kathleen Hunter, Axios, 21 Dec. 2024 The warning came before the House passed a last-minute stopgap funding bill with bipartisan support Friday night, sending it to the Senate ahead of the deadline. —

Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2024 Follow along for live coverage Their battle for higher pay is at risk as congressional leaders scramble to find a path forward before 12:01 a.m. Saturday when the government will shut down if a stopgap funding agreement is not reached. —

Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC News, 20 Dec. 2024 Air defense is quickly becoming a top priority for Russia, with the implementation of various stopgap measures to address current shortages. —

Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for stopgap