STOPGAP Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

stopgap 1 of 2

noun

ˈstäp-ˌgap

Definition of stopgap next

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

Relevance

stopgap

2 of 2

adjective

as in makeshift

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of stopgap

Noun

Biden signs bill funding government through March, averting shutdown President Biden signed a three-month stopgap funding measure into law on Saturday after Congress acted at the last minute to avert a government funding lapse. —

Axios, 20 Dec. 2024 House Republicans were unable to pass a stopgap funding bill on Thursday, which had been crafted in response to demands made by the President-elect Donald Trump. —

Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 Thirty-eight House Republicans voted against a version of the stopgap that included a debt limit hike. —

Emily Brooks, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2024 This comes after rumblings that Johnson may lose his leadership position after nearly coming to a government shutdown with his latest stopgap spending bill. —

Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stopgap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stopgap

Noun

In terms of a substitute striking so rapidly, the first comparison that came to mind was Nicklas Bendtner for Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur in 2007.

Phil Hay, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
Nutritional yeast, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and dairy substitutes can also provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.

Merve Ceylan, Health, 14 Jan. 2025