interim

1 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​im ˈin-tə-rəm 

: an intervening time : interval

interim

2 of 2

adjective

: done, made, appointed, or occurring for an interim

an interim assignment

Synonyms of interim

Noun

• interval
• interruption
• hiatus
• gap
• pause

Adjective

• temporary
• provisional
• transitional

Examples of interim in a Sentence

Noun

there was a brief interim in the proceedings while everyone got organized

Adjective

putting up some students in local motels is obviously just an interim solution to the college's housing shortage

will serve as interim head of the police department until the investigation is completed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The idea of an external interim, new to the club, new to the league, represents a leap into the dark for everyone involved. —Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026

Garcia also served as the interim for a few months that same year before Vanderpool began the job in September. —Victoria Le, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026

Adjective

Franklin Myers, chairperson of the company’s board since 2019, was appointed interim CEO of the company. —Fortune Editors, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026

In a recent column, [Broward Health CEO and Memorial Healthcare interim CEO] Shane Strum argues that closer alignment between Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System is necessary to improve access. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin, adverb, meanwhile, from inter between — more at inter-

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1580, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1604, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing interim

• ad interim
• in the interim

Kids Definition

interim

noun

in·​ter·​im

ˈin-tə-rəm

: a time intervening : interval

interim adjective

Legal Definition

interim

1 of 2 noun

in·​ter·​im ˈin-tə-rəm 

: an intervening time see also ad interim

interim

2 of 2 adjective

: done, made, appointed, or occurring for an interim

an interim disposition