expedient 1 of 2

expedient

2 of 2

noun

1
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

2
3
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
The discomforts include not just his recent and possibly expedient diagnosis of bipolar disorder but also the return of the other prodigal, Nazareth. Jesse Green, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2025 Finding someone to out-Trump Trump might look like an expedient solution to an immediate problem. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
Look at Melania Trump’s lucrative Amazon deal, for example, as one way that the giant companies that own studios can now wield influence and bend, if needed, for politically expedient purposes. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2025 For those Galaxy users eager to try the beta for themselves as part of Samsung’s more expedient, seamless process, there may already an issue. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for expedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient
Adjective
  • Hope alone isn’t prudent in the pursuit of a playoff spot or division title.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Stars win, no matter how prudent the finances are with the overall roster.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Alexander-Arnold came on as a substitute for the final half-hour.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025
  • But to envision Mars as some sort of utopian substitute for Earth is truly delusional.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The trend is part of a global $2.24 billion adult recreational sports industry that's headed toward $3 billion by 2028 as adults seek out new opportunities for social connection, according to online market research company ReportLinker.
    Hadley Hitson, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Law sees longevity as one of the two biggest business opportunities over the next decade, citing the rapid advancement in AI applications and post-COVID lifestyle changes.
    Lionel Lim, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In Mexico, English and Spanish are desirable; in Canada, French is considered an asset.
    Michelle Kaufman August 12, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Some of the most desirable brands let the product speak for itself rather than resorting to conspicuous branding and flashy gimmicks.
    Matteo Atti, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Ohio’s Champion Tree Program is a voluntary effort to locate, measure, record and appreciate the largest tree species in the state.
    Jennie Key, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2025
  • These systems are increasingly viewed not just as operational improvements but as critical climate adaptation measures that protect energy access during periods of instability.
    Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Advocates are also pushing for state-level protections, which can provide some recourse for students who choose to forgo Title IX and pursue outside legal action, Levine said.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Thousands of Black residents were displaced with little recourse, and what was once a vibrant economic corridor was reduced to a memory.
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Stashing a talented prospect like him is a wise decision for a front office that should be taking a long view with its rebuild, not to mention Douglas’ history of concussions (two in 2023) and contract coming up next season.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Aug. 2025
  • But the Tigers also made wise offseason moves, not the least of which was signing former New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres to a one-year, $15 million contract.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Over the last two offseasons under Stearns, the Mets mostly targeted short-term contracts with pitchers like Montas as stopgap options.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The state was able to release some stopgap funding that lasted through March 2025, but when that ended, even more programs closed.
    Alana Semuels, Time, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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