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

All but one of the company’s leaders since its foundation in 1968 have been homegrown, and the exception, Bob Swan, was given the job as a stopgap measure when the board was forced to remove Brian Krzanich. —

Ryan Gould, Fortune, 3 Dec. 2024 Even the veteran striker Joselu, seen as a stopgap, was a central presence up front—which Real now misses—as an alternative to Vinícius, Bellingham, and Rodrygo in the frontline. —

Henry Flynn, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 The provision was originally due to expire in September 2024, but was extended by a stopgap funding bill known as a continuing resolution, which passed by lawmakers and signed by President Joe Biden in the same month in order to avert a government shutdown. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 Amaury Cornu | Afp | Getty Images Analysts presume that Macron will choose a successor to Barnier within days but note that the candidate’s premiership could be effectively a stopgap until new parliament elections next July, a year on from the last vote. —

Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stopgap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stopgap

Noun

Use as an Egg Substitute Flaxseeds are a common egg substitute, especially in vegan or allergy-friendly recipes.

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, Health, 16 Dec. 2024
But there’s still no substitute for the experience of watching an actor crawl into the skin of another person and take them out for a spin.

Vulture Editors, Vulture, 13 Dec. 2024