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
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 Raisman, like Chiles, was also the last to go in her Olympic final, making the time-crunch to file an expedient appeal particularly intense and the result more dramatic. Kaetlyn Liddy, NBC News, 5 Aug. 2024
Noun
The politically expedient choice one moment may become toxic the next. Sam Bresnick, Foreign Affairs, 31 Dec. 2024 Even more expedient, perhaps, is how Sercarz thinks about combining spices to dynamic effect. Scott Hocker, theweek, 23 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
  • His superior record as a substitute indicates that, but his finish against Spurs and his assist against Leicester added further weight to the belief.
    Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Bentaleb, who was told his career might be over after collapsing in June, came on as a substitute in the 76th minute of the Ligue 1 game and scored within four minutes of being on the pitch.
    Ben Church, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • One of his key strengths is his ability to embrace challenges as opportunities for innovation.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Monica Lewinsky stopped by The Late Show to chat about her new podcast, Reclaiming, and took the opportunity to reflect on her life since her scandal with Bill Clinton in the late ’90s.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 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
  • Even as mainstream conversation about racial issues has taken a sharp turn in the years since her speech—President Donald Trump was elected on a platform that explicitly pledged to end DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) measures—Bueckers has not wavered in her beliefs.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The potential hit to home valuations from climate change and rising insurance premiums could be as much as $2.7 trillion, by one measure.
    Mark Gongloff, Twin Cities, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • More likely, however, the pardon would not be successfully challenged, and Congress would have no statutory recourse unless Ex Parte Garland were to be overruled.
    Robert A. Levy, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The workspaces are provided by the Pentagon, so media outlets have little recourse, particularly because credentials are not being revoked.
    Brian Stelter, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Plunkett is not the first critic to trouble the popular conception of Frost as a wise woodsman dispensing comfort and inspiration.
    Maggie Doherty, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
  • The decision to put Kreider in over Kyle Connor, who has 30 goals this year, did not end up looking like a wise one.
    Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Instead, the Giants should sign a stopgap veteran at right guard.
    Dan Duggan, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Swonk emphasized that furloughs tend to happen quickly, and the current stopgap only lasts until February 3.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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