EXPEDIENT Synonyms: 108 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

expedient 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈspē-dē-ənt

Definition of expedient

as in prudent

suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances made the expedient decision to sell the land to whomever offered the most money

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

expedient

2 of 2

noun

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

as in means

an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result he vowed to use any expedient available to get the project done on time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

At the core of Ditto is a commitment to providing excellent customer service, with quick response to phone calls and solutions that are efficient and expedient. — Connie Etemadi, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026 Her unwillingness to see this complicated problem outside of a politically expedient, simplistic partisan lens is disqualifying. — Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 15 May 2026

Noun

And the simple expedient of wearing long sleeves and pants limits the parts of the body that are exposed to any biting insect. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 28 May 2026 At the core of Ditto is a commitment to providing excellent customer service, with quick response to phone calls and solutions that are efficient and expedient. — Connie Etemadi, Miami Herald, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for expedient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient

Adjective

The Royals still must try to be prudent in fixing their relief unit.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026
Payton will certainly want to prove his decision to take over play-calling from offensive coordinator Davis Webb was a prudent one.

— Sam Jane, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of prudent

Noun

The end of saving money and raising middle-class wages justifies the means, namely, the destruction of immigrant families.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
If buying chocolate means supporting a great cause, why not gift chocolate to everyone in your life this holiday season?

— Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of means

Noun

When the cast visited Japan in March 2025, Mystery Channel hosted a special event attended by 270 lucky fans chosen from applicants nationwide, giving them the opportunity to meet and interact with the cast.

— Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
With Marcadé and now Without Production, Platform6 brings together the talent and the creative excellence to capture this opportunity.

— Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of opportunity

Adjective

The products have to remain desirable enough that customers are willing to pay up at a time when AI is squeezing margins across much of the software sector.

— CJ Haddad, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
Increasingly, however, marinas are becoming desirable destinations unto themselves.

— Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of desirable

Noun

Thus far, the French government has offered stopgap measures, such as sending 3,000 substitute teachers into empty teaching posts around the country.

— Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026
The Bell Jar is composed of these looping death-and-rebirth scenes, framing death as merely a stopgap in a continuing life.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of stopgap

Noun

People who score high on measures of zest are also more likely to view their lives as meaningful.

— Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
The findings come three decades after the democratic government introduced a raft of measures — known as Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) — aimed at reversing the dispossession suffered by Black people under apartheid and colonialism.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of measure

Browse Nearby Words

expediency

expedient

expedients

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“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of expedient

adjective

noun

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