provisional

1 of 2

adjective

pro·​vi·​sion·​al prə-ˈvizh-nəl How to pronounce provisional (audio)
-ˈvi-zhə-nᵊl
: serving for the time being : temporary
a provisional government
provisionally adverb

provisional

2 of 2

noun

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

Examples of provisional in a Sentence

Adjective 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 on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Two hours later, NWS Albuquerque advised that Rio Ruidoso at Hollywood, N.M., had reached a provisional crest of 20.24 feet while the flash flooding was occurring. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 9 July 2025 Here are the four limited metal tags and what each color means: Buyer provisional (purple): Refers to a buyer who has expressed interest in purchasing something but hasn't fully committed yet. Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Noun
Suarez started the weekend with an Xfinity Series qualifying accident, which forced him to use Nascar’s new international provisional. Joseph Wolkin, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025 So team owner Justin Marks requested a provisional for four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, who used it to get the new 41st position in the race. Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for provisional

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1601, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of provisional was in 1601

Cite this Entry

“Provisional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provisional. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

provisional

adjective
pro·​vi·​sion·​al
prə-ˈvizh-nəl,
-ən-ᵊl
: serving for the time being
a provisional government
provisional arrangements
provisionally
adverb

Legal Definition

provisional

adjective
pro·​vi·​sion·​al prə-ˈvi-zhə-nəl How to pronounce provisional (audio)
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
a provisional remedy
provisionally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on provisional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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