RESOURCE Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'resource' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of resource are expedient , makeshift , resort , shift , and stopgap . While all these words 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

Q: When can 'expedient' be used instead of 'resource'?

The synonyms expedient and resource 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: When could 'makeshift' be used to replace 'resource'?

The meanings of makeshift and resource largely overlap; however, makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference. // old equipment employed as a makeshift

Q: Where would 'shift' be a reasonable alternative to 'resource'?

While in some cases nearly identical to resource , shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient. // desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

Q: When is 'stopgap' a more appropriate choice than 'resource'?

Although the words stopgap and resource have much in common, stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure. // a new law intended only as a stopgap

resource

noun

ˈrē-ˌsȯrs

Definition of resource next

as in opportunity

something that one uses to accomplish an end especially when the usual means is not available we used every possible resource to raise the funds needed to save our town's oldest house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in fund

resources plural available money do you have the resources to buy a new car or even a used car?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word resource different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of resource are expedient, makeshift, resort, shift, and stopgap. While all these words 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

When can expedient be used instead of resource?

The synonyms expedient and resource 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

When could makeshift be used to replace resource?

The meanings of makeshift and resource largely overlap; however, makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

Where would shift be a reasonable alternative to resource?

While in some cases nearly identical to resource, shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

When is stopgap a more appropriate choice than resource?

Although the words stopgap and resource have much in common, stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

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 resource How to find resources: A new initiative created by a coalition of immigrant justice groups called the Florida Rapid Response Alliance for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment (RAISE) has a free hotline to request information, seek legal referrals or report abusive enforcement actions. —

Martin Vassolo, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025 The android provides support with abilities such as speedy mech repairs, an anti-Cradle slowdown trap, and long-range detectors that offer better information about resources and rain protection. —

Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2025 But Harjo says Haaland has begun reversing the U.S. government's legacy of managing native lands more for their resources or as objects. —

Kirk Siegler, NPR, 19 Jan. 2025 Speaking of passion and romance, electric Uranus will station direct on Jan. 30, bringing momentum to your eighth house of intimacy, shared resources and emotional bonds — your approach to personal and professional connections is changing significantly. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for resource