Definition of resourcenext
1
as in opportunity
something that one uses to accomplish an end especially when the usual means is not available we used every possible resource to raise the funds needed to save our town's oldest house

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word resource different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of resource are expedient, makeshift, resort, shift, and stopgap. While all these words 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

When can expedient be used instead of resource?

The synonyms expedient and resource 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

When could makeshift be used to replace resource?

The meanings of makeshift and resource largely overlap; however, makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

Where would shift be a reasonable alternative to resource?

While in some cases nearly identical to resource, shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

When is stopgap a more appropriate choice than resource?

Although the words stopgap and resource have much in common, stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

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 resource And with Cursor’s own proprietary models running on SpaceX’s compute resources, the company may be able to capture both the revenue from subscriptions and from users choosing Grok and Cursor models. Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 17 June 2026 Official state resources, such as the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) site and the Florida Senate Official Statute page, can offer specific details on how to proceed in these and other special circumstances. Miami Herald, 17 June 2026 That’s one reason Disabled American Veterans launched Mindscapes, a new online multimedia resource dedicated to psychedelic education and exploration. Rob Lewis, New York Daily News, 17 June 2026 The ultimate resource for fashion and beauty industry professionals. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for resource
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource
Noun
  • After coming close on numerous attacking opportunities in the first, the Real Madrid star put England ahead for the good in the opening moments of the second.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026
  • The special edition of the Historian Passport was supported by donations from the California State Parks Foundation and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, with the goal of offering Californians the opportunity to explore the state's rich and complex history.
    Noe Padilla, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • The Rule of 55 and 72(t) allows some Americans early access to their retrement funds, experts said.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • The deal will also unfreeze tens of billions of dollars in Iranian funds held in international banks as part of the final agreement.
    Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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