EXPEDIENT Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

expedient 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈspē-dē-ənt

Definition of expedient

as in prudent

suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances made the expedient decision to sell the land to whomever offered the most money

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

expedient

2 of 2

noun

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

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as in means

an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result he vowed to use any expedient available to get the project done on time

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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

Gun acquisition is, however, considerably more expedient for professionals with certain careers, such as law enforcement. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026 Her unwillingness to see this complicated problem outside of a politically expedient, simplistic partisan lens is disqualifying. — Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 15 May 2026

Noun

Gun acquisition is, however, considerably more expedient for professionals with certain careers, such as law enforcement. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026 Further, these programs give big companies an expedient, cost-effective way to learn about emerging technologies and benefit from diverse sources of innovation, without the investment required to build each one internally. — Serguei Netessine, Fortune, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for expedient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient

Adjective

Not only did the Sabres not have the cap room for either one of those deals, but neither one would have been prudent with Buffalo’s long-term vision in mind.

— Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Josh Hawley of Florida and Brian Kemp of Georgia, a little distance might prove prudent.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 1 July 2026

Definition of prudent

Noun

At the moment, Congress is having a terrible time deciding how to levy taxes, go to war, protect Social Security, confirm judges and live within its means.

— Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Visiting teams, particularly from wealthy nations with the means to pay for it, will also request the most secluded rooms in the hotel, and away from the street side to minimize noise exposure.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of means

Noun

Garibay’s one-handed save denied Jonathan Ricketts a sure goal in the 64th minute, and Moon pulled a 30-yard opportunity off a poor corner kick clearance just wide left.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026
The event also gave Kansas City’s Ghanaian residents an opportunity to introduce others to Jama, the tradition of singing, chanting and dancing that has long been intertwined with Ghanaian soccer culture and community celebrations.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026

Definition of opportunity

Adjective

When using chemical methods to kill the shrub, be sure to protect desirable plants from overspray.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
Instead of looking only for escapements or technical innovation, Newman encourages appreciation of cases, dials, proportions, engraving, and overall design—the same qualities that define today’s most desirable independent watches.

— Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 3 July 2026

Definition of desirable

Noun

Lawmakers quickly responded with stopgap funding and later secured the $75 million to pay for up to 21,000 participants for the coming fiscal year.

— Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026
Pretoria has set aside a 750 million rand ($45 million) stopgap allocation to keep clinics open, protect HIV/AIDS treatment, and revive clinical research trials — less than 10% of what Washington used to inject into the system annually.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 24 June 2026

Definition of stopgap

Noun

The agency also adopted additional security measures, such as surrounding the president with bullet-resistant glass at outdoor events.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Rodríguez said emergency economic measures will include relief funds for victims and temporary waivers on documentation and property registration fees to facilitate housing relocation.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

Definition of measure

Noun

Finally, and most important, underestimating the need for AC has left millions of people suffering through the hottest days of their lives with no recourse.

— Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
With unsecured debts, the main recourse is to pursue collections or legal action.

— Brian Sloan, CNBC, 26 June 2026

Definition of recourse

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“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of expedient

adjective

noun

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