MAKESHIFT Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'makeshift' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of makeshift are expedient , resort , resource , shift , and stopgap . While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference. // old equipment employed as a makeshift

Q: When is 'expedient' a more appropriate choice than 'makeshift'?

The words expedient and makeshift are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible. // a flimsy expedient

Q: How are the words 'resource' and 'resort' related as synonyms of 'makeshift'?

Both resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon. // exhausted all of their resources // a last resort

Q: Where would 'shift' be a reasonable alternative to 'makeshift'?

Although the words shift and makeshift have much in common, shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient. // desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

Q: When could 'stopgap' be used to replace 'makeshift'?

The words stopgap and makeshift can be used in similar contexts, but stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure. // a new law intended only as a stopgap

Q: How is the word 'makeshift' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of makeshift are expedient , resort , resource , shift , and stopgap . While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference. // old equipment employed as a makeshift

Q: When is 'expedient' a more appropriate choice than 'makeshift'?

The words expedient and makeshift are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible. // a flimsy expedient

Q: How are the words 'resource' and 'resort' related as synonyms of 'makeshift'?

Both resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon. // exhausted all of their resources // a last resort

Q: Where would 'shift' be a reasonable alternative to 'makeshift'?

Although the words shift and makeshift have much in common, shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient. // desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

Q: When could 'stopgap' be used to replace 'makeshift'?

The words stopgap and makeshift can be used in similar contexts, but stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure. // a new law intended only as a stopgap

makeshift 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of makeshift next

as in new

taking the place of one that came before turned a towel into a makeshift skirt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

makeshift

2 of 3

noun

ˈmāk-ˌshift

as in substitute

a temporary replacement when his belt broke, he was forced to use string as a makeshift

Synonyms & Similar Words

make shift

3 of 3

phrase

as in cope

to meet one's day-to-day needs They were able to make shift without borrowing money.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word makeshift different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of makeshift are expedient, resort, resource, shift, and stopgap. While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

When is expedient a more appropriate choice than makeshift?

The words expedient and makeshift are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

How are the words resource and resort related as synonyms of makeshift?

Both resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon.

exhausted all of their resources

a last resort

Where would shift be a reasonable alternative to makeshift?

Although the words shift and makeshift have much in common, shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

When could stopgap be used to replace makeshift?

The words stopgap and makeshift can be used in similar contexts, but stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

How is the word makeshift different from other nouns like it?

old equipment employed as a makeshift

When is expedient a more appropriate choice than makeshift?

The words expedient and makeshift are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

How are the words resource and resort related as synonyms of makeshift?

Both resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon.

exhausted all of their resources

a last resort

Where would shift be a reasonable alternative to makeshift?

Although the words shift and makeshift have much in common, shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

When could stopgap be used to replace makeshift?

The words stopgap and makeshift can be used in similar contexts, but stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

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 makeshift

Adjective

Eventually, Pearlene collapsed and died inside a makeshift bathroom in the family’s trailer, which had no running water or electricity. —

Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026 Further inspection found a Mexican citizen scrunched into a makeshift, dry compartment in the gas tank that February day. —

Jim Radcliffe, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026 Detectives also recovered a pillow with burn marks and string, which investigators believe may have been used as a makeshift silencer, the report states. —

Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026 On Wednesday, a makeshift memorial to Cavan was growing at the site of the stabbing near the corner of Vienna and Knollville Drive. —

Tim Fang, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026 That’s because a permanent restructuring of how work is organized is a far heavier lift than an overnight shift to working from a makeshift home office. —

Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026 There, a few thousand people gathered in front of a makeshift stage, where a portrait of Alex Pretti served as a backdrop. —

Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 Varona, an opponent of the island’s communist government, filed onto a makeshift raft alongside a handful of others in the 1990s, risking his life and sailing across the waters of the Atlantic Ocean to reinvent his life in Florida. —

Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026 In 2020, staff members converted closets into makeshift office space. —

Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for makeshift

Adjective

Even the more politically active class of nonprofits — 501(c)(4) groups, like the relatively new American Hunters and Anglers — can’t make political activity its primary activity.

— Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2026
The Colorado Rockies are rolling out a lineup of new food offerings ahead of Opening Day, featuring everything from oversized hot dogs to inventive twists on classic ballpark staples.

— Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026

Definition of new

Browse Nearby Words

makes good (for)

makeshift

make shift

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Makeshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/makeshift. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of makeshift

adjective

noun

phrase

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on makeshift

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

verdant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Are You Misusing These 10 Common Words?

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

12 Words for Signs of Spring

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

The Words of the Week - Apr. 3

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Popular

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

12 Words for Signs of Spring

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Games & Quizzes