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.

“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

And its make-do culture, using whatever is at hand, which often led to comical scenes in settings like museums.

From New York Times

Because of higher costs and limited supplies in the massive, remote state, they embrace an interdependent and make-do ethos to the benefit of their Buddhist community, she said.

From Seattle Times

The make-do attitude is common these days around Jackson.

From Seattle Times

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