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

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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 comment came after the House of Representatives passed a stopgap funding resolution that would keep the government open through early December. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 23 July 2026 Throwing a lifeline With Yoshida sidelined, Oberhelman turned back to Milich as an emergency stopgap. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026

Adjective

And the rest of the blue line is loaded with stopgap veterans such as Dmitry Orlov, John Klingberg, Nick Leddy and Mario Ferraro. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 8 May 2026 Selling a parking lot is just a stopgap measure. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stopgap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stopgap

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

Noun

Morgan was the backup to Drew Cavanaugh on Monday night in the Giants’ series opener against the Houston Astros, but the team could seek a veteran option going forward.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
The competition for the backup running back job has been delayed.

— Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of backup

Adjective

And the Houthis, Iran’s Yemeni proxy terror group, attacked another Saudi ship in the Bab al-Mandeb this morning, their eighth strike on Saudi ships so far.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
The attackers responded to those requests with a malicious proxy auto-configuration file.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of proxy

Browse Nearby Words

stopcocks

stopgap

stopgaps

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Style

“Stopgap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stopgap. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of stopgap

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adjective

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