makeshift

noun

make·shift ˈmāk-ˌshift

: a usually crude and temporary expedient : substitute

makeshift adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for makeshift

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

when his belt broke, he was forced to use string as a makeshift

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of makeshift was in 1766

See more words from the same year

Style

“Makeshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/makeshift. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

makeshift

noun

make·shift ˈmāk-ˌshift

: a temporary replacement : substitute

makeshift adjective

Get Word of the Day daily email!