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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

Examples 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 The requirement affects about 3,500 families whose children attend private or religious schools or are home-schooled and receive resources such as teacher aides who attend class with them, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Claire Fahy, New York Times, 7 Dec. 2024 This is another way to scale: more time and resources, not just during training, but also when in use. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024 Instead of advocating for its namesake, the center has spent its time, funding, and resources advocating for Hamas. Kayla Bartsch, National Review, 6 Dec. 2024 While large organizations have vast resources to codify their expertise, smaller businesses have a unique advantage: agility. Rhea Wessel, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for resource 

Thesaurus Entries Near resource

Cite this Entry

“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on resource

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