expedient 1 of 2

Definition of expedientnext

expedient

2 of 2

noun

1
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

2
3
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

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
This is the logical, expedient, correct thing to do. Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 24 Mar. 2026 Their partnership was vital to Tatum’s expedient process. Jared Weiss, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
For me, going to the White House would feel more expedient than right. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026 Trump’s handling of Venezuela reinforced a deep Iranian fear that Western powers ultimately favor expedient deals with authoritarian regimes over real democratic change. Dan Bilefsky, HollywoodReporter, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expedient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expedient
Adjective
  • And that’s allowing Fed policymakers to be prudent, waiting on the sidelines to see everything play out before making a call to raise or lower rates, as several of them have said in recent public speeches, particularly the officials who dissented this week.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Trading back removed a lot of drama, but was the prudent way to go.
    Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The substitute looks up and sends a shot crashing against the post from a tight angle.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In 2025, the CMS Fraud Defense Operations Center stopped nearly $185 million in improper payments to suspect providers billing for skin substitutes.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • One chapter closes, another opens The destruction of several Russian Kamov Ka-52s using drones doesn’t signal the end of the attack helicopter by any means.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Still, this isn’t a bad group by any means, and the team could easily go into the season with Barmore, Durden, Taylor, Williams and Farmer/Gregory.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In a sign of the pressure for Republicans to take advantage of the opportunity, multiple hopefuls running for governor in GOP primaries called for immediate redraws.
    Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • What once felt like an opportunity to close has become something closer to a necessity.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Use of herbicides requires caution to avoid harming desirable plants and ensure the safety of yourself and others.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Macron underscored the need for European industry to innovate and win back consumers with better, more desirable products that will finance the EU’s defense goals.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Rodriguez measures in at 6 feet 1 3/8, 231 pounds and was a tackling machine for the Red Raiders, the same school which produced current Dolphins All-Pro linebacker Jordyn Brooks and Hall of Famer Zach Thomas.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
  • On the other, governments across the hemisphere are experimenting with approaches that emphasize economic liberalization and strong security measures.
    Armando Regil Velasco, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Sam Brunson, a nonprofit law professor at Loyola University Chicago, told Fortune that as a general rule, a donor who dislikes how a charity later spends its money has no recourse beyond ceasing to donate.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • What recourse is there for those who do care, other than resigned acceptance and a bit of gallows humor?
    Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Policymakers, especially here in Tokyo, would be wise to accept more foreign workers to plug labor gaps, but that’s not a durable answer on its own.
    Catherine Thorbecke, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Steinberg believes the fit will work out well football wise and business wise.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expedient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expedient. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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