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Definition of "stopgap" [stopgap]

  • An improvised substitute for something lacking; a temporary expedient. See Synonyms at makeshift. (noun)
  • Serving as a stopgap: a stopgap budget bill to keep the government running. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "stopgap" in a sentence
  • "In the meantime, it was asking publishers to cover more of the costs through a 7-cent surcharge in what it characterized as a stopgap measure."
  • "Even as a short-term stopgap measure in high-needs areas, I think it's doing more harm to teaching than good."
  • "The Senate approved $219 billion in stopgap spending bill (HR 3081, above) for fiscal 2011, which will fund government operations until Dec. 3, at which time the post-election Congress will take up regular appropriations for the new budget year."
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