makeshift 1 of 3

Definition of makeshiftnext

makeshift

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noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

make shift

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phrase

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

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
Dinah had gone silent under the makeshift tent. Stephen King, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026 About noon Larry gunned the Maule — heavily loaded with moose meat — to a heart-stopping takeoff from the makeshift strip. Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026 The fact that Iran could so easily cut off the world’s access to a fifth of global oil with some mines, makeshift drones and speed boats will require some serious reckoning – and permanent changes. David Goldman, CNN Money, 12 May 2026 In anticipation of Zohran Mamdani’s appearance, the Otis Bantum gymnasium had been decorated with the makeshift festivity of a school dance. Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 11 May 2026 Walking down a makeshift runway in a top-floor studio, a model pulls on a translucent, hooded jacket embedded with LED lights. Kaio Cesar, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026 However, those who traveled to the Bahamas were met with underwhelming stays that included makeshift tents and a lack of talent. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026 Recently, the Bayless Family Foundation made a $1 million donation to help fund the museum’s $5 million West Wing renovation, transforming the makeshift event space into a professional theater. Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026 To rectify that, the two professional goalies sectioned off part of their living room with a shower curtain, creating a makeshift bedroom for Andy’s mattress, which went directly on the floor. Peter Baugh, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for makeshift
Adjective
  • And across all networks, just six new shows bow in the fall — with most waiting for post-football homes.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 15 May 2026
  • Winston makes a cameo to execute another electric Ford Field trick play, and the Giants lose a close one with their offense starting to find a new gear.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • In the 65th minute, second-half substitute Pablo miscontrolled El Hadji Malick Diouf’s quick throw-in.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • Basic income cash transfers are not a good substitute for basic services in a social support system.
    Carrie Brandon Elliot, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • Following community debate over safety versus access to alternative mobility options, city leaders in La Mesa voted to ban e-bike use for riders under 12.
    Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • Spanish public television — which in past years broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest — plans to air alternative broadcasting on Saturday evening.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • The bowl game marks the first college football game to be played in Puerto Rico and essentially replaces the Bahamas Bowl, which moved to Frisco, Texas, as a one-year stopgap last December.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 8 May 2026
  • To understand the trap the state has just walked into, look at the Social Relief of Distress grant authorities instituted in 2020 as a fleeting, six-month pandemic stopgap.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • One director suggested the board consider an alternate course for future events.
    Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • What’s an alternate title for your show?
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Specifically, Sosa Cardona fabricated foreign law enforcement reports and other documents as false backup for his clients' asylum claims, prosecutors said.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 13 May 2026
  • This matchup becomes even more juicy in 2026, with former Broncos defensive staffer Jim Leonhard now in Buffalo as the Bills’ defensive coordinator and dueling with new Broncos play-caller Davis Webb, a former Bills backup quarterback.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • One out of every 16 minutes across six hours of NCAA football bowl games referenced gambling — far less than any other sport.
    Luke Connors, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
  • And while track and field adopted the dual-advancement and dual-medal system, the policy does not easily translate to head-to-head contact sports or other athletic competitions, creating what critics see as a glaring inconsistency across the state.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Makeshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/makeshift. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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