1
as in makeshifts
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in opportunities
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
Cite this Entry
“Expedients.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedients. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
