stopgap

noun

stop·​gap ˈstäp-ˌgap How to pronounce stopgap (audio)
Synonyms of stopgapnext
often attributive
: something that serves as a temporary expedient : makeshift
stopgap measures

Synonyms of stopgap

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resource, resort, expedient, shift, makeshift, stopgap mean something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply.

resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon.

exhausted all of their resources
a last resort

expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

Examples of stopgap in a Sentence

The new law is intended only as a stopgap. the coach we have now was only hired as a stopgap until someone with more experience is found
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But those stopgap levies expire July 24. — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026 Based on our time with the game, 007 First Light might be more than just a good-enough stopgap between films. — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026 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 The bureau’s most recent projections, released Tuesday, show that the emergency measures taken this spring will only be a stopgap, unless extremely wet weather returns. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stopgap

Word History

First Known Use

1691, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stopgap was in 1691

Rhymes for stopgap

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Browse Nearby Words

stop gage
stopgap
stop-go
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Cite this Entry

“Stopgap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stopgap. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stopgap

noun
stop·​gap ˈstäp-ˌgap How to pronounce stopgap (audio)
: something that fills a gap : a temporary substitute

More from Merriam-Webster on stopgap

Nglish: Translation of stopgap for Spanish Speakers

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