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 next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Raisman, like Chiles, was also the last to go in her Olympic final, making the time-crunch to file an expedient appeal particularly intense and the result more dramatic. —

Kaetlyn Liddy, NBC News, 5 Aug. 2024 Sidestepping divisive questions might be politically expedient, limiting attention on the party’s increasingly out-of-step agenda. —

Editorial Board, Washington Post, 7 July 2024

Noun

In today’s digital age, direct and expedient customer communication channels must be coupled with a level of security that fosters trust and promotes satisfaction. —

Gegham Azatyan, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 For most of us, cash has become a smallish but unavoidable expedient in our lives, like umbrellas or paper towels. —

IEEE Spectrum, 30 May 2012 See all Example Sentences for expedient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient

Adjective

All but one speaker on the matter urged the city away from renewing the deal or encouraged officials to be prudent in any contract decisions.

— Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
If any South Carolina lawmakers are unsure about the need to bring the state’s top marginal income tax rate down further in order to be more competitive, Governor Brian Kemp (R-Ga.) recently demonstrated why Speaker Smith’s proposal is prudent.

— Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025