RESOURCE Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of resource are expedient , makeshift , resort , shift , and stopgap . While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon. // exhausted all of their resources // a last resort

Q: When can 'expedient' be used instead of 'resource'?

The synonyms expedient and resource 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: When could 'makeshift' be used to replace 'resource'?

The meanings of makeshift and resource largely overlap; however, makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference. // old equipment employed as a makeshift

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

While in some cases nearly identical to resource , shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient. // desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

Q: When is 'stopgap' a more appropriate choice than 'resource'?

Although the words stopgap and resource have much in common, stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure. // a new law intended only as a stopgap

resource

noun

ˈrē-ˌsȯrs

Definition of resource

as in opportunity

something that one uses to accomplish an end especially when the usual means is not available we used every possible resource to raise the funds needed to save our town's oldest house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in fund

resources plural available money do you have the resources to buy a new car or even a used car?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of resource are expedient, makeshift, resort, shift, and stopgap. While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon.

exhausted all of their resources

a last resort

When can expedient be used instead of resource?

The synonyms expedient and resource 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

When could makeshift be used to replace resource?

The meanings of makeshift and resource largely overlap; however, makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

Where would shift be a reasonable alternative to resource?

While in some cases nearly identical to resource, shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

When is stopgap a more appropriate choice than resource?

Although the words stopgap and resource have much in common, 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 resource Chevron brings the scale, project management, land, natural gas resources, and more. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026 To limit heat stress and help your grass maximize its available resources, follow these 9 expert tips during a heat wave. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2026 The shocking lack of answers does not appear to be for a lack of resources, rather it highlights perceived investigative missteps along the way. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2026 Additional crews and resources from the Ventura County Fire Department, Kern County Fire Department and Angeles National Forest are also helping to combat the blaze. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resource

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource

Noun

As a senior leader or mid-level executive tired of the grind, consider the massive opportunity hiding in plain sight.

— Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Americans are navigating a labor market with opportunities for some but not for all, sidelining job seekers and leaving many of the youngest job hunters without the foundational roles and skills needed for their futures.

— Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of opportunity

Noun

The installations at the 500 delis were completed in April, but the city has not committed any additional funds towards equipping the thousands of bodegas that remain unprotected, Mateo said.

— Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
Here, the bankruptcy trustee knew about the Purplemed sale for $15 million and that most of the funds were in the Children's Trust.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of fund

Browse Nearby Words

resounds

resource

resourceful

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“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of resource

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