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GRE vocabulary

expedient

adjectiveHigh-frequency wordMore E words

convenient and practical, though sometimes at the cost of principle

Word origin: From Latin expedire, to free the feet, hence to make ready.

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In a sentence

Expedient in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing expedient in a sentence.

It was expedient to settle the dispute rather than risk a costly trial.

Settling out of court was the expedient choice, even if it left the principle unresolved.

Synonyms
advantageouspracticalconvenient
Antonyms
inexpedientimprudent
Usage & nuance

Using “expedient” well

Expedient praises practical advantage but often hints that convenience has trumped principle. Distinguish the adjective from the noun, a means to an end, and from expeditious, meaning speedy.

Common questions

Questions about “expedient

Expedient (adjective) means convenient and practical, though sometimes at the cost of principle
Here is expedient used in an example sentence: "It was expedient to settle the dispute rather than risk a costly trial." Another example: "Settling out of court was the expedient choice, even if it left the principle unresolved."
Common synonyms for expedient include advantageous, practical, convenient.
Antonyms of expedient include inexpedient, imprudent.
Clusters with advantageous, practical, and convenient in Sentence Equivalence. Its antonyms inexpedient and imprudent mark the contrast, and expeditious is a look-alike trap.
Yes. Expedient is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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