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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

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 Many of these professionals may be working with booking agents, so social media wouldn’t be the most expedient way to get to them. — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026

Noun

At the core of Ditto is a commitment to providing excellent customer service, with quick response to phone calls and solutions that are efficient and expedient. — Connie Etemadi, Miami Herald, 20 May 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 See All Example Sentences for expedient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient

Adjective

The suit maintains that the commission’s denial does not identify any adverse impact to a wetland function or value, nor any feasible and prudent alternatives to address the Commission’s reasons for denial, in violation of state law, Conn.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
But the Court requires only four Justices to grant a case, and Brett Kavanaugh, whom Roberts had hoped would back his strategy of prudent avoidance, wouldn’t go along.

— Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of prudent

Noun

In the 85th minute, the young winger made his professional debut as a late substitute.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
San Jose’s second-half substitute Preston Judd had a pair of chances after coming on at the hour mark, but the first shot was over the crossbar and the second was saved at point-blank range by Marcinkowski.

— Mercury News, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of substitute

Noun

Because having a major LLM now adopt automatic watermarking of all its AI outputs has caused masses of people to rush to find a means to defeat the watermarking.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Defense attorney Steve Haney argued that there was no evidence Rinderknecht started the blaze, that the fire could have been started by a firework or other means and that the fire scene was not secured.

— Sierra van der Brug, Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of means

Noun

But as the drugs move from a specialist injectable treatment toward an increasingly mainstream weight-management category, beauty is beginning to confront a much bigger commercial opportunity, which — according to insiders — is much more complex.

— Perdita Nouril, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
The Ria Formosa Natural Park is close by and offers plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and trails to walk around its lagoons.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of opportunity

Adjective

Ferrari can remain one of the most desirable brands in the world even as the stock falls because its valuation has outpaced what the business can realistically deliver.

— Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Follow aeration by overseeding the lawn, as this will thicken the lawn canopy with desirable grass species.

— Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of desirable

Noun

Traded after being designated for assignment, Lauer was initially seen as a temporary stopgap.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
That move came just as the clock was running out Friday on stopgap levies the president imposed after a stinging defeat for other tariffs at the Supreme Court.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026

Definition of stopgap

Noun

Those are pretty standard penalties, but then there are two creative add-on disciplinary measures.

— Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 21 Aug. 2026
In Hangzhou, the latest assault claims have seen multiple companies initiate internal accountability measures, according to political news outlet Guancha, while the official investigation is ongoing.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of measure

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expedient

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“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of expedient

adjective

noun

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