RESOURCE Synonyms: 48 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

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 Outerlight’s purchase of Bleecker will provide the distributor with long-term capital and additional resources for growth. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 This made the burgeoning technology a great resource of company or even store-specific information. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 Look for platforms that offer human agents, fast response times and intuitive onboarding and training resources. — Dana Miranda, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 Polls show him well behind Ossoff, and national Republicans are shifting resources to other races. — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resource

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource

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

Noun

Furthermore, using opioid abatement funds, the county has expanded youth and family support services, co-responder units and other harm-reduction services.

— Joshua Barocas, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026
For example, large funds may have been rebalancing their portfolios at the end of the third quarter.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of fund

Browse Nearby Words

resounds

resource

resourceful

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Style

“Resource.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resource. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of resource

noun

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