MAKE SHIFT Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'makeshift' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of makeshift are expedient , resort , resource , shift , and stopgap . While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference. // old equipment employed as a makeshift

Q: When is 'expedient' a more appropriate choice than 'makeshift'?

The words expedient and makeshift are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible. // a flimsy expedient

Q: How are the words 'resource' and 'resort' related as synonyms of 'makeshift'?

Both resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon. // exhausted all of their resources // a last resort

Q: Where would 'shift' be a reasonable alternative to 'makeshift'?

Although the words shift and makeshift have much in common, shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient. // desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

Q: When could 'stopgap' be used to replace 'makeshift'?

The words stopgap and makeshift can be used in similar contexts, but stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure. // a new law intended only as a stopgap

makeshift 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of makeshift

as in new

taking the place of one that came before turned a towel into a makeshift skirt

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

makeshift

2 of 3

noun

ˈmāk-ˌshift

as in substitute

a temporary replacement when his belt broke, he was forced to use string as a makeshift

Synonyms & Similar Words

make shift

3 of 3

phrase

as in cope

to meet one's day-to-day needs They were able to make shift without borrowing money.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word makeshift different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of makeshift are expedient, resort, resource, shift, and stopgap. While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

When is expedient a more appropriate choice than makeshift?

The words expedient and makeshift are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

How are the words resource and resort related as synonyms of makeshift?

Both resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon.

exhausted all of their resources

a last resort

Where would shift be a reasonable alternative to makeshift?

Although the words shift and makeshift have much in common, shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

When could stopgap be used to replace makeshift?

The words stopgap and makeshift can be used in similar contexts, but stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

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 makeshift

Adjective

This jumbled, makeshift archive reassured her about her own perceptions. — Fern Schumer Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 For a time, a stray tiniest doll served as the Christ Child in a makeshift crèche. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 This will have pleased manager Phil Parkinson, who last season was forced to use Zak Vyner as a makeshift holding midfielder alongside George Dobson as injury and suspension bit in the spring. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 On a recent summer day, loud air conditioners blew cool air as nurses drew blood and tended wounds, calling to mind the makeshift spaces used during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 The beams, in a 32-story project at 222 Broadway expected to yield nearly 800 apartment units, had been wrapped in steel as a makeshift fix, the agency said. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 Small changes, like the arrows and the makeshift shelf, have made a huge difference in her shooting and confidence. — Beka Garris, Outdoor Life, 30 July 2026 The figures underscore the worsening conditions amid a surge in gang attacks and the growing vulnerability of Haiti’s gang refugees, many of whom have no choice but to live in makeshift encampments with no doors, lighting or basic security. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 From garage tech to global powerhouse When Russia invaded Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky pleaded for foreign military aid from the West and exhorted his countrymen to build makeshift weapons for the resistance. — Thomas Nagorski, Time, 27 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for makeshift

Adjective

That same year, Wolfram set out on an ambitious new direction in science aimed at understanding the origins of complexity in nature.

— Big Think, Big Think, 4 Aug. 2026
If your crepe myrtles aren’t receiving enough light, transplant them to a new growing location when the plants are dormant in winter.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of new

Noun

Their dense texture makes oyster mushrooms a preferred meat substitute in many dishes.

— Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026
Now that it's disappeared from store shelves, longtime devotees have launched a petition to bring it back, flooded social media with disappointment and searched for substitutes.

— Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of substitute

Adjective

The company added that the vessel can also be equipped with alternative combat management systems, including the Lockheed Martin CMS330 Combat Management System.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
Forbes queried every sponsor asking if it had been offered alternative benefits or reimbursement, but only one responded.

— Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of alternative

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

Phrase

The lag in benefits forced millions of families to make do with small collections from food banks or the generosity of restaurants.

— Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Modern Californians have been forced to make do with Hollywood's CGI versions of the fault, which cast it as one of the state's darkest villains.

— Rong-Gong Lin II Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of make do

Adjective

Iran’s proxies in the region, the Houthis, have since blockaded another strait – the Bab-al-Mandeb – challenging Saudi Arabia’s ability to export oil through that alternate route.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
While the Lawrence Avenue exit is closed, IDOT recommends commuters account for additional time in their drive and seek alternate routes.

— Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of alternate

Noun

Home batteries become grid assets Core is designed to work as both household backup and grid infrastructure.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
Milwaukee wanted Naylor as another layer of protection behind starting backstop William Contreras and backups Sánchez and Jeferson Quero.

— Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of backup

Browse Nearby Words

makes good (for)

makeshift

make shift

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“Makeshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/makeshift. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of makeshift

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