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 team went through eight head coaches (including interims) during that span, with Kubiak being the ninth, and six general managers. — Sam Warren, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Over the past month, however, the benchmark 10-year gilt yield has risen by around 19 basis points, while the longer-term 30-year gilt yield has added around 21 basis points, with both seeing choppy trade in the interim. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 21 July 2026

Adjective

Florida International University’s incoming interim law school dean wasn’t just passed over as a finalist during the university’s national search. — Austin Horn july 24, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

According to Bangladesh's constitution, if the president resigns, the speaker of Parliament automatically takes over the post on an interim basis until a new president is elected by lawmakers. — ABC News, 24 July 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