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

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

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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

The proposal received tens of thousands of comments in opposition, and its implementation was blocked by Congress’s stopgap spending bill. — STAT, 23 Sep. 2026 Nonetheless, without the surplus lines stopgap, home construction would be hobbled, experts said. — Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Doctors interviewed for this story say past measures have been stopgap solutions -– for example, cracking down on unregistered clinics in Taunsa and suspending a local hospital superintendent. — Betsy Joles, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a stopgap measure that would continue funding the US government through early December. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stopgap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stopgap

Noun

At times, Zukenee’s chameleonic range and ironic language can feel like a shrewd substitute for vulnerability.

— Narsimha Gour Chintaluri, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
America can point to tankers still transiting Hormuz, but shipping that depends on costly military protection and remains under threat is a poor substitute for normal trade.

— Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of substitute

Adjective

George describes residents taking in people who had lost their homes, workers restoring the water supply and the McAllister Hotel serving as a makeshift hospital.

— Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
This all plays out with a lot of frequent jarring tonal mismatches, and some bafflingly overwrought dramatic beats, especially around Vision’s makeshift self-repair.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of makeshift

Noun

But that doesn’t tell the full story either, as Seattle has played part of the season with backup Drew Lock and hasn’t yet lost by more than three points.

— Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
Although Chen Mechan is accused of firing on the Salvadoran’s vehicles, sources said its heavily armed men received backup from Joseph’s 400 Mawozo, which controls the neighboring territory.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of backup

Adjective

The companies are already financially entangled, including a $2 billion investment by Tesla in SpaceX, Tesla’s Monday proxy statement confirmed.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) lowered its forecast of global oil demand growth for this year, amid persistent risks to shipping from Iran and its proxy groups.

— Max Rego, The Hill, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of proxy

Adjective

While recent headlines around the state of the UK art market have typically painted a gloomy picture, on the ground, a palpable buoyancy — or make-do optimism, even — can be felt.

— Mahoro Seward, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
The foundational text of Parton’s career, this 1971 single lovingly details her mother’s make-do resilience, stitching a fall coat from scraps of cloth in the spirit of a beloved Bible story.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of make-do

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stopcocks

stopgap

stopgaps

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“Stopgap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stopgap. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stopgap

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