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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

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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 Not everyone inherits the wealth or resources to buy a home — and that’s exactly why Progressive created Open the House. Essence, 6 July 2025 The Texas Division of Emergency Management activated its emergency response resources to the area ahead of the storms on Thursday. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2025 This will reduce the energy demand on the plant, allowing more resources to reach the remaining tomatoes. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 July 2025 For many entrepreneurs, especially those running small or startup businesses, creating a scalable marketing strategy can feel daunting, especially when resources are limited. Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for resource
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource
Noun
  • The 30th anniversary of Java, which the Java community is celebrating this year, offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on the remarkable changes the ecosystem has undergone.
    Alexander Belokrylov, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Yeah, this will be a good opportunity for guys to recover a little bit.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Measured by Morningstar, the fund's return of about 14% this year is in the top three percent in its category, which includes nearly 1,400 other funds.
    Jesse Pound, CNBC, 11 July 2025
  • Artist Alex Israel and eyewear brand Oliver Peoples have their sights set on a chic way to raise funds for wildfire recovery for Los Angeles.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on resource

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