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
And don’t take any of these expedient risks simply because flocks of others are doing the same. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 Depleting our rainy-day fund, aggressively raising taxes on businesses or adding to our debt are politically expedient but not useful in the long run. Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
During election seasons, calling for enhanced punitive measures—whether those are mandatory minimum sentences or the death penalty—have frequently proved politically expedient for both sides of the political aisle. TIME, 10 Feb. 2025 But history shows that this approach—while politically expedient—is inherently fragile. Casey Burgat, TIME, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient
Adjective
  • Aston Villa accounting period covered 13 months, not one year. Source: Club financial statements All of which begs the question: are Levy and Spurs being excessively prudent?
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • As a result, many universities, including those in states with a 7% cap on prudent spending, will likely be able to increase their use of endowment funds to maintain their budgets at prior levels.
    Ellen P. Aprill, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After watching Lemina flounder as a substitute in the 3-0 home loss against Nottingham Forest on January 6 — his first appearance for the new coach after injury — Pereira removed him from his first-team plans.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Jonathan Rodriguez made his season debut for the Timbers as a second-half substitute.
    Anne M. Peterson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As part of the transaction, Macquarie and Nomura have also agreed to collaborate on product and distribution opportunities.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Jim took the opportunity to blow off some steam during a shoot in Miami.
    Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Sometimes, the larvae would chew these body parts into more desirable sizes.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
  • No major surgery required, but one new face is desirable.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Yet Trump was unhappy over plans for the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff during his inauguration after Biden ordered the measure of respect following Carter’s death for 30 days - something that’s been done following a presidential death since 1954.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The committee drafted the measure largely in response to the administration’s tax gap report.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The result will be to leave matters generally and Abrego Garcia specifically in an interminable limbo without recourse to law of any sort.
    TIME Staff, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
  • According to them, that means you— the person reading this article—could be expelled from the United States without meaningful recourse.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Guidance and tariffs Dover made a few wise adjustments to its full-year outlook.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Deferring college acceptance—postponing enrollment typically for one year—can be a thoughtful strategy when life circumstances, personal goals or practical considerations suggest that waiting might be the wiser path.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Congress earlier this month passed a stopgap funding bill that set government funding at mostly 2024 levels through September.
    Aris Folley, The Hill, 27 Mar. 2025
  • But data centers around the country have started to use them as a stopgap solution.
    Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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