proviso

noun

pro·​vi·​so prə-ˈvī-(ˌ)zō 

plural provisos also provisoes

1

: an article or clause (as in a contract) that introduces a condition

2

: a conditional stipulation

Synonyms

• provision
• requirement
• stipulation
• condition

Examples of proviso in a Sentence

He accepted the job with one proviso: he would work alone.

released the drunken revelers with the proviso that they behave for the remainder of the Mardi Gras

Recent Examples on the Web

This is similar to a year ago when the Heat got Thomas Bryant to opt out, with the proviso that Bryant would be taken care of if another landing spot could not be found. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 July 2025

Pulte officials told the commission the company expects to build at least 60 homes on the vacant, wooded site, with the purchase contract including a proviso that the developer receive an additional $233,000 from the commission for every lot beyond 60 that it is allowed to build. —Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025

The language requires that trainees not displace experienced workers, an important proviso for entertainment unions. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 24 June 2025

The California Coastal Commission approved a permit for the event on May 9 with a major proviso. —Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin proviso quod provided that

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

proviso

noun

pro·​vi·​so prə-ˈvī-zō 

plural provisos or provisoes

1

: a sentence or clause in a legal document in which a condition is stated

2

: a limiting statement

released them with the proviso that they behave

Legal Definition

proviso

noun

pro·​vi·​so prə-ˈvī-zō 

plural provisos or provisoes

1

: an article or clause (as in a statute or contract) that introduces a condition

2

: a conditional stipulation

Etymology

Medieval Latin proviso quod provided that