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
Depleting our rainy-day fund, aggressively raising taxes on businesses or adding to our debt are politically expedient but not useful in the long run. Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2025 The transfer has received bipartisan support and an expedient legislative process, a rarity in recent Smithsonian history. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
But history shows that this approach—while politically expedient—is inherently fragile. Casey Burgat, TIME, 21 Jan. 2025 At the time, my late wife and I adopted the simple expedient of not talking about politics in front of the children. David Marchese, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient
Adjective
  • Since sector performance generally rotates as the economy moves through different phases, broad sector exposure is a prudent hedge against unpredictable shifts in the market.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Magic Mountain crews had hoped to fix Superman: Escape from Krypton when the coaster closed for maintenance in September, but the necessary parts weren’t readily available and the most prudent option was to permanently close the ride, according to Harris.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • There’s simply no substitute for the positive outcomes that qualities like grit, individual effort, commitment and consistency can predictably bring into your life.
    Vinesh Sukumaran, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Wellness shots should be consumed in moderation and are not a substitute for a well-rounded diet.
    Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, LD, Health, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • And on Wednesday, the Mets and Rangers provided opportunities to see their respective offerings in a span of about six hours.
    Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Appearing on The Tonight Show, Isaacs was asked the reaction to his character’s accent and took the opportunity to make light of his full frontal moment.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Teamwork, socialization, and other types of in-person connection are what workers cite as the most desirable aspects of choosing an office over working from home.
    Ryan Anderson, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Located just west of K-7 Highway and south of College Boulevard, Prairie Canyon is set in one of the most desirable locations, blending scenic beauty with easy access to local amenities.
    Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The House voted Tuesday to effectively kill a discharge petition championed by Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida that forced a vote on a measure that would have permitted remote voting for new parents.
    Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The fiasco has raised concerns about the company’s claims about its models’ performance being potentially misleading and points to the fact that these benchmarks aren’t always a reliable measure for AI’s capabilities.
    Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The result will be to leave matters generally and Abrego Garcia specifically in an interminable limbo without recourse to law of any sort.
    TIME Staff, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
  • According to them, that means you— the person reading this article—could be expelled from the United States without meaningful recourse.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Word to the wise: the end credits are more like a Marvel movie as they are interrupted by a longish extra scene that includes a special cast member, blues legend Buddy Guy, plus yet another musical number at the end of credits.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Consulting with a financial advisor experienced in bear markets may also be wise.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Reich has been brought in as a stopgap measure, to add some stability to a program in dire need of some after the previous coach’s surprise exit.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Republicans wanted to support it but were forced to vote it down because the Senate was racing to pass a stopgap funding bill just hours before a shutdown deadline.
    Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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