stopgap

noun

stop·​gap ˈstäp-ˌgap How to pronounce stopgap (audio)
often attributive
: something that serves as a temporary expedient : makeshift
stopgap measures
Choose the Right Synonym for stopgap

resource, resort, expedient, shift, makeshift, stopgap 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

expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

Examples of stopgap in a Sentence

The new law is intended only as a stopgap. the coach we have now was only hired as a stopgap until someone with more experience is found
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Air defense is quickly becoming a top priority for Russia, with the implementation of various stopgap measures to address current shortages. Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Lawmakers had been eager to head home for the holidays after unveiling a stopgap funding bill to keep the U.S. government open that by all accounts looked to be cruising toward final passage. Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025 The resounding support for the stopgap funding bill reflected a desire in both parties to avoid a costly shutdown that could have jeopardized paychecks for hundreds of thousands of federal employees a few days before Christmas. Christina Wilkie, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024 For the price, Bozeman has been a serviceable stopgap option at center. Daniel Popper, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for stopgap 

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stopgap was in 1684

Dictionary Entries Near stopgap

Cite this Entry

“Stopgap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stopgap. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

stopgap

noun
stop·​gap ˈstäp-ˌgap How to pronounce stopgap (audio)
: something that fills a gap : a temporary substitute

More from Merriam-Webster on stopgap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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