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

Since 2002, the Raiders have hired 13 coaches, excluding interims, followed by the Cleveland Browns (10) and Miami Dolphins (nine). — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Carrick is not an interim anymore, of course, but that’s more of a technical detail than a sporting reality. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Cody MacArthur has been promoted to interim football coach at Royal. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

This past June, the Courant conducted one interview with the new Board of Regents Interim Chair Ari Santiago and in August, one interview with interim Chancellor Natalie Braswell. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 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