Word Explorer

Expedient

/ɪkˈspiːdi.ənt/

A method or means for achieving a particular result, especially when direct or efficient; a resource.

📖 Definitions of "Expedient"

noun

1
A method or means for achieving a particular result, especially when direct or efficient; a resource.

adjective

1
Suitable to effect some desired end or the purpose intended.
"Most people, faced with a decision, will choose the most expedient option."
2
Affording short-term benefit, often at the expense of the long-term.
3
Governed by self-interest, often short-term self-interest.
4
Expeditious, quick, rapid.

6 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

Word	Definition
appropriateverb	Suitable or fit; proper; felicitous.
advantageous	Being of advantage, beneficial.
politicnoun	Shrewd, prudent and expedient; showing policy.
opportunistnoun	Someone who takes advantage of any opportunity to advance their own situation, placing expediency above principle.
opportunistic	Taking advantage of situations that arise.
timeservingnoun	Alternative form of time-serving. [Opportunism.]

Words with the opposite meaning.

Word	Definition
inexpedient	Not expedient; not tending to promote a purpose; not tending to the end desired; unsuitable to time and place

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

Word	Definition
appropriateverb	Suitable or fit; proper; felicitous.
advantageous	Being of advantage, beneficial.
opportunistic	Taking advantage of situations that arise.
opportunistnoun	Someone who takes advantage of any opportunity to advance their own situation, placing expediency above principle.
politicnoun	Shrewd, prudent and expedient; showing policy.
timeservingnoun	Alternative form of time-serving. [Opportunism.]
convenient	Serving to reduce a difficulty, or accessible with minimum difficulty; expedient.
expediencynoun	(uncountable) The quality of being fit or suitable to effect some desired end or the purpose intended; suitability for particular circumstance or situation.
worthwhile	Good and important enough to spend time, effort, or money on.
effectivenoun	Having the power to produce a required effect or effects.
conveniencenoun	The quality of being convenient.
conducive	Tending to contribute to, encourage, or bring about some result.
opportune	At a convenient or advantageous time.
useful	Having a practical or beneficial use.
facilitateverb	To make easy or easier.
suitable	Having sufficient or the required properties for a certain purpose or task; appropriate to a certain occasion.
propernoun	Suitable.
appositenoun	Strikingly appropriate or relevant; well suited to the circumstance or in relation to something.
enablingnoun	An act or an instance of something being enabled.
decentnoun	Appropriate; suitable for the circumstances.