STOPGAP Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of stopgap are expedient , makeshift , resort , resource , and shift . While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure. // a new law intended only as a stopgap

Q: When can 'expedient' be used instead of 'stopgap'?

The synonyms expedient and stopgap are sometimes interchangeable, but expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible. // a flimsy expedient

Q: In what contexts can 'makeshift' take the place of 'stopgap'?

While the synonyms makeshift and stopgap are close in meaning, makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference. // old equipment employed as a makeshift

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

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

Q: When might 'shift' be a better fit than 'stopgap'?

The words shift and stopgap can be used in similar contexts, but shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient. // desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

stopgap 1 of 2

noun

ˈstäp-ˌgap

Definition of stopgap next

as in substitute

a temporary replacement the coach we have now was only hired as a stopgap until someone with more experience is found

Synonyms & Similar Words

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stopgap

2 of 2

adjective

as in makeshift

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of stopgap are expedient, makeshift, resort, resource, and shift. While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

When can expedient be used instead of stopgap?

The synonyms expedient and stopgap are sometimes interchangeable, but expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

In what contexts can makeshift take the place of stopgap?

While the synonyms makeshift and stopgap are close in meaning, makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

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

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

exhausted all of their resources

a last resort

When might shift be a better fit than stopgap?

The words shift and stopgap can be used in similar contexts, but shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

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 stopgap

Noun

Philadelphia has already made a stopgap move to replace García in bringing in Derek Hill from the White Sox to at least play against lefties. —

Eno Sarris, New York Times, 17 June 2026 However, its authorities expired in 2023, requiring stopgap, temporary extensions. —

W. Craig Vanderwagen, STAT, 16 June 2026

Adjective

The Philippines, Japan, Thailand and South Korea, among others, have turned to coal as a stopgap measure to stabilize their power supply amid volatility in oil and natural gas markets. —

Julius Cesar Trajano, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026 House Republicans spiked that deal and instead passed a stopgap measure to extend funding for all of DHS through May 22. —

Justin Papp, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stopgap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stopgap

Noun

Haaland, a fan favorite in the tournament, will start the match on the substitutes' bench, ESPN reported Friday.

— Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Mathewson noted that merely keeping abreast of the latest developments is no substitute for working with them directly.

— Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of substitute

Adjective

On the solstice, the first goal was to clear trash that had found its way onto the orchard, then form makeshift berms out of rocks dispersed around the space.

— Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
The morgue that serves La Guaira is makeshift—a white tent on a dock lined with body bags and coffins.

— Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026

Definition of makeshift

Noun

While Schmid fills the role of a high-end backup, Florida still needs to acquire a starting-caliber goaltender prior to the start of the season with both Sergei Bobrovsky and Daniil Tarasov departing.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Crucial backup is handled by the Power Cube, which features independently prefabricated 2,500 kVA Power Transfer Units and diesel generators.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 June 2026

Definition of backup

Adjective

Employees optimize for proxy metrics while experiencing their actual work as purposeless.

— Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
In its proxy statement, for example, Fox cited revenue growth at its popular streaming service Tubi and high ratings for Fox News and Fox Sports.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of proxy

Browse Nearby Words

stopcocks

stopgap

stopgaps

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“Stopgap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stopgap. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of stopgap

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adjective

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