Synonyms of stopgap

stopgap 1 of 2

noun

ˈstäp-ˌgap 

as in substitute

a temporary replacement

the coach we have now was only hired as a stopgap until someone with more experience is found

Synonyms & Similar Words

• substitute
• makeshift
• backup
• expedient
• refuge
• recourse
• stand-in
• alternate
• quick fix
• resort
• standby
• understudy

stopgap

2 of 2

adjective

as in makeshift

Synonyms & Similar Words

• makeshift
• backup
• proxy
• substitute
• make-do
• alternate
• interim
• temporary
• acting
• provisional
• jackleg
• provisory
• ad interim
• provisionary

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permanent
• long-term

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of stopgap are expedient, makeshift, resort, resource, and shift. While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

When can expedient be used instead of stopgap?

The synonyms expedient and stopgap 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

In what contexts can makeshift take the place of stopgap?

While the synonyms makeshift and stopgap are close in meaning, makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

How are the words resource and resort related as synonyms of stopgap?

Both resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon.

exhausted all of their resources

a last resort

When might shift be a better fit than stopgap?

The words shift and stopgap can be used in similar contexts, but shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stopgap

Noun

The worst-case scenario is that some of the best players leave via free agency after the season, with their only replacements being low-cost stopgaps in an effort to escape salary cap hell. —Grant Brisbee, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025

Schumer has received backlash since helping to avert a government shutdown by aiding the Republicans in passing their stopgap spending plan over the objection of the majority of his fellow Democratic Senators and House Democrats. —Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 23 Mar. 2025

There was but brief passive acknowledgment by either lawmaker of the civil war playing out among Democrats over Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) breaking with House Democrats to help Republicans pass a stopgap funding bill and avert a shutdown. —Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Mar. 2025

This risk-free structure allows employers to shift funds away from temporary stopgaps like contract labor and sign-on bonuses and toward investments in long-term, stable staffing. —Maria Flynn, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025