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
  • If comparable roles are scarce or offer significantly lower pay, retiring may be prudent.
    Andrew Whalen, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • And being wrong, or holding onto ideas longer than data suggests is prudent, could lead to building expensive instruments that may not add much new knowledge to the world, if they are not engineered to pursue what the universe actually has on offer.
    Sarah Scoles, JSTOR Daily, 31 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
  • 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
  • Yeah, this will be a good opportunity for guys to recover a little bit.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The idea is that this type of investment will make the area a more desirable destination and thus lead to all the benefits that come from more foot traffic and spending.
    Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 29 July 2025
  • Torus Pak capitalizes on this psychology to make ready meals more desirable, increasing the odds that they are actually eaten.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 26 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
  • Other characters include a talkative nurse, a wise parrot named Leonard, and a grumpy cat named Bitchy.
    Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 30 July 2025
  • Chekhov’s imagination is too wise and subtle for that.
    Philip Metres July 30, Literary Hub, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • The request, which was made in July, is a temporary stopgap while the company awaits federal clearance to dredge a permanent channel to the Wallops Island site.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 25 July 2025
  • Whereas Donkey Kong’s return could’ve been just a fun stopgap until their next truly big game, Bananza instead plays out as a showstopper worthy of ushering in Switch 2’s arrival.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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