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 drought had reached two decades, with four full-time head coaches and two interims having come and gone since Larry Coker last led Miami to the top of the college football world, by the time Cristobal made his way back to Coral Gables. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Jan. 2026

Carrick as an interim until the end of season is a sensible choice. —Chris McKenna, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026

Adjective

In 2025, the OCC issued an interim final rule restoring streamlined applications and expedited review processes under the Bank Merger Act. —Frank Sorrentino, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Buckley served as interim fire chief in Orlando from August 2021 to October 2022, according to his resume. —Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 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