stopgap

noun

stop·gap ˈstäp-ˌgap

often attributive

Synonyms of stopgap next

: something that serves as a temporary expedient : makeshift

stopgap measures

Choose the Right Synonym for stopgap

resource, resort, expedient, shift, makeshift, stopgap 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

expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

Examples of stopgap in a Sentence

The new law is intended only as a stopgap. the coach we have now was only hired as a stopgap until someone with more experience is found

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

The provision was originally due to expire in September 2024, but was extended by a stopgap funding bill known as a continuing resolution, which passed by lawmakers and signed by President Joe Biden in the same month in order to avert a government shutdown. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 Amaury Cornu | Afp | Getty Images Analysts presume that Macron will choose a successor to Barnier within days but note that the candidate’s premiership could be effectively a stopgap until new parliament elections next July, a year on from the last vote. —

Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024 This will disappoint many who hoped that the new colors were a stopgap before a completely different pair of over-ear headphoens were released. —

David Phelan, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024 Passing a three-month stopgap would push the funding fight until Republicans control the House, Senate and White House. —

Aris Folley, The Hill, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stopgap