Synonyms

make-do

American

[meyk-doo] / ˈmeɪkˌdu /

noun

plural

make-dos

something that serves as a substitute, especially of an inferior or expedient nature.

We had to get along with make-dos during the war.

adjective

used as a substitute; makeshift.

make-do curtains.

make do Idioms

Get along with the means available, especially insufficient means. For example, We'll just have to make do with one potato apiece. [c. 1900]

Etymology

Origin of make-do

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Instead, Ukrainians are showing the resilience and make-do attitude that have frustrated Moscow’s efforts to pummel them into submission.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s tempting to argue that “One Battle’s” all-but-inevitable Oscar victory is a make-do for the half-dozen times Anderson should have won before.

From Los Angeles Times

The fans will have to make-do with a short written statement.

From BBC

“Full Time” is canny enough to understand that many people’s make-do existences are ready-made for compassionate thriller-ization.

From Los Angeles Times

A flick of a match, and the make-do candle is lit.

From Seattle Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023