provisional

adjective pro·vi·sion·al \ prə-ˈvizh-nəl , -ˈvi-zhə-nᵊl \

|Updated on: 19 Aug 2018

Examples: provisional in a Sentence

Definition of provisional

: serving for the time being : temporary

a provisional government

—

provisionally

adverb

See provisional defined for English-language learners

See provisional defined for kids

Examples of provisional in a Sentence

The government has given provisional approval for the use of the new drug.
will form a provisional government until a new leader can be elected

Recent Examples of provisional from the Web

Following a final crisis meeting on Monday, after interior minister and CSU chairman Horst Seehofertendered his provisional resignation late Sunday evening, Merkel and the Bavarian achieved a breakthrough.

— jefferson chase, USA TODAY, "German government crisis: Chancellor Angela Merkel gets migrant compromise," 3 July 2018
However, requests for provisional measures like those requested by Qatar are dealt with quicker.

— Washington Post, "UAE offers its defense in Qatar lawsuit at UN high court," 28 June 2018
However, requests for provisional measures like those requested by Qatar are dealt with quicker.

— jon gambrell, Fox News, "UAE offers its defense in Qatar lawsuit at UN high court," 28 June 2018
The provisional number of births last year declined 2 percent for Hispanics, 3 percent for whites and was unchanged for blacks.

— courant.com, "When It Comes To Fertility Rates, Connecticut Ranks Among The Lowest In The Country," 27 June 2018
Features 22 starters, plus two USAC provisional starters (if applicable) and two IMS options.

— jim ayello, Indianapolis Star, "$15,000 USAC midget race, named for Bryan Clauson, kicks off NASCAR Brickyard 400," 26 June 2018
The club will be led by a provisional management committee until a new presidential election on September 8.

— afp, chicagotribune.com, "Sporting president de Carvalho to quit after fan vote," 24 June 2018
The city of Akron released a statement Friday saying provisional fire Lt.

— CBS News, "Firefighters accused of making sex tape in firehouse leave department," 24 June 2018
The next morning, another volunteer took her and her son to Casa Belen, a provisional shelter run by Kino in an empty municipal building.

— rafael carranza, azcentral, "What happens when migrants seeking asylum get to the border?," 22 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'provisional.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of provisional

1601

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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provisional Synonyms

provisional

noun

Definition of provisional

: a postage stamp for use until a regular issue appears — compare definitive

Recent Examples of provisional from the Web

There’s going to be a paper recount of all the votes from early voting, election day, absentees and provisionals.

— pamela wood, baltimoresun.com, "Brochin asks for full manual recount in Democratic primary for Baltimore County executive," 10 July 2018
McComas picked up five more votes in the Republican race for District 34B, while Tilley earned six provisionals.

— david anderson, The Aegis, "Leaders in 2018 Harford races remain there after provisional ballot canvass Thurs.," 5 July 2018
Welcomed were 2018 spring provisionals Jennifer Bankston, Maggie Bopp, Megan Butler, Lauren Duncan, Jillian Gutierrez, Misty Jenkins, Danielle Looper and Amanda Toombs-Couvillon.

— elizabeth moore, NOLA.com, "North Shore Notables: Junior League of Covington honors members, introduces new board," 27 May 2018
Concordia's list of NCAA Division II provisional qualifiers grows.

— ken goe, OregonLive.com, "Might the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials return to Hayward Field after all? Oregon track & field rundown," 9 Apr. 2018
Provisionals are immersed into their chapter’s projects, fundraising initiatives, and the community as a whole.

— Southern Living, "Secrets of the Southern Junior Leagues," 1 May 2017

First Known Use of provisional

1886

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

PROVISIONAL Defined for English Language Learners

provisional

adjective

Definition of provisional for English Language Learners

: existing or accepted for the present time but likely to be changed

Law Dictionary

provisional

adjective pro·vi·sion·al \ prə-ˈvi-zhə-nəl \

legal Definition of provisional

1 : provided for a temporary need : suitable or acceptable in the existing situation but subject to change or nullification

a provisional government

provisional custody of a minor

2 : of, relating to, or being temporary judicial acts or proceedings (as of attachment, injunction, or sequestration) allowed before final judgment to protect the interests of one or more parties to an action