expedient 1 of 2

expedient

2 of 2

noun

1
as in substitute
a temporary replacement if you're a spectator caught without rainwear at a sporting event, then a plastic garbage bag makes an acceptable, if unfashionable, expedient

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in opportunity
something that one uses to accomplish an end especially when the usual means is not available since there wasn't a single bandage left in our backpacks, we had to use a bandanna, our only expedient

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word expedient distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words advisable and politic are common synonyms of expedient. While all three words mean "dictated by practical or prudent motives," expedient usually implies what is immediately advantageous without regard for ethics or consistent principles.

a politically expedient decision

How is advisable related to other words for expedient?

Advisable applies to what is practical, prudent, or advantageous but lacks the derogatory implication of expedient and politic.

sometimes it's advisable to say nothing

When could politic be used to replace expedient?

While in some cases nearly identical to expedient, politic stresses judiciousness and tactical value but usually implies some lack of candor or sincerity.

a politic show of interest

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 expedient
Adjective
The transfer has received bipartisan support and an expedient legislative process, a rarity in recent Smithsonian history. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 5 Dec. 2024 As the election postmortems continue, people should remember that the struggle for equality is rarely politically expedient or popular — especially at the outset. Anthony D. Romero, Twin Cities, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
At the time, my late wife and I adopted the simple expedient of not talking about politics in front of the children. David Marchese, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 The politically expedient choice one moment may become toxic the next. Sam Bresnick, Foreign Affairs, 31 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for expedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient
Adjective
  • Retirees don’t have as much time to recover their losses, so accumulating precious metals like gold and silver can be a prudent move.
    Marc Guberti, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Indeed, its tonal balance feels of a piece with the playwright’s personality—erudition and prudent attention to identity and representation leavened with irreverent nods to his throat chakra, The Artist’s Way, and teen soaps on The WB.
    Marley Marius, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Think of it as a high-tech sprinkler system: excellent at putting out small fires instantly, but not a substitute for eliminating flammable materials in the first place.
    Michael Roytman, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • But animals often make poor substitutes for humans.
    Celia Ford, Vox, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This was his opportunity, perhaps his only one, to sign a big contract.
    Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Without the guardrails, Democrats argue that the stopgap measure would give the administration more opportunities to cut federal programs.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The idea that tax regimes in certain markets make teams more or less desirable to players was raised more than once.
    James Mirtle, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • He isn’t expected to be at training camp with Los Angeles but rather a different team when a desirable trade package is presented.
    Scott Thompson, Fox News, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • During the Covid-19 pandemic, the first Trump Administration and the Biden Administration both adopted emergency spending measures that cost trillions of dollars.
    John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The order also calls on state attorneys general to establish enforcement measures and legal strategies to uphold the new mandate.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Depending on the severity of the situation, such as a drug addiction where a large amount of cash could have potentially fatal effects, this may be your only recourse.
    Christine Fletcher, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Still, the trepidation has not pushed key senators as far as to threaten to compel Musk or DOGE officials to appear for congressional hearings, a frequent recourse lawmakers rely upon for information gathering.
    Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The Camino is wise; its lessons come slowly, mile by mile, day by day.
    Daniela Diaz, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Even if the snow continuously falls, removing it before more than four inches accumulates is wise, as large amounts of snow are significantly more difficult to remove.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Instead, these concurrent rollouts have acted as a stopgap that’s been creatively fulfilling and drama-free — especially since a date has already been set for everyone to return to the BLACKPINK mothership for a world tour.
    Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The Democratic leader said his caucus remains committed to negotiating a stopgap spending deal with Republicans that could avert a government shutdown as soon as next week.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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