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

Synonyms

Noun

• discontinuity
• gap
• hiatus
• hiccup
• hiccough
• interlude
• intermission
• interregnum
• interruption
• interstice
• interval
• parenthesis

Adjective

• ad interim
• impermanent
• provisional
• provisionary
• provisory
• short-term
• temporary

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

Every leader of this Andean nation since 1985 (with the exception of two briefly serving, unelected interims) has been the target of at least one criminal probe. —Simeon Tegel, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024

The Chargers have interviewed four general manager candidates, starting with their interim at the position, JoJo Wooden. —Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2024

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