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 The museum will provide educators with on-site worksheets and background materials on the artists, along with other pre-visit and post-visit resources in English and Spanish. — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 Niger, a mineral-rich West African nation with significant uranium, oil and gold resources, has been ruled by military officers since the July 2023 coup that ousted President ⁠Mohamed Bazoum. — Reuters, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026 Much of its resource base consists of very heavy crude from the Orinoco Belt, which is more difficult to produce and process than conventional crude. — Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The company assists clients in scheduling healthcare appointments, finding housing, connecting with doulas, finding local aid resources and a number of other services. — Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resource

Recent Examples of Synonyms for resource

Noun

According to the investigation, the Clippers broke league rules by initiating off-court income opportunities and facilitating endorsement agreements between Leonard and four companies that also did business with the team.

— Josh Feldman, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026
Women in music have so many more opportunities and are taken so seriously and are headlining festivals and doing all of this stuff.

— Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of opportunity

Noun

In August, the health board designated a $250,000 fund for rat abatement — so far the only public money specifically earmarked to combat the nuisance in the state.

— Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2026
Four staff will be hired as part of the grant − positions that couldn’t be funded through the district’s general fund budget.

— Morgan Matzen, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 3 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of resource

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