pro·vi·sion·al
prə-ˈvizh-nəl 
-ˈvi-zhə-nᵊl
: serving for the time being : temporary
a provisional government
provisionally
adverb
: 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
Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2025
According to the data, which is provisional and subject to change, two children also died from the flu during that period, bringing the season’s total to 25.
Of those pediatric deaths, only one child had been vaccinated, while five were too young to receive the vaccine, McDonald said.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 7 May 2025
Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
World-class drivers are guaranteed entry before qualifying A new provisional will increase the Cup Series field to 41 cars for some races.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provisional
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Adjective
Parolin was also weakened by his role in crafting a provisional deal between the Vatican and China.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2025
According to the data, which is provisional and subject to change, two children also died from the flu during that period, bringing the season’s total to 25.
Of those pediatric deaths, only one child had been vaccinated, while five were too young to receive the vaccine, McDonald said.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 7 May 2025
Noun
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
World-class drivers are guaranteed entry before qualifying A new provisional will increase the Cup Series field to 41 cars for some races.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provisional
Cite this Entry
“Provisional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provisional. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
provisional
adjective
pro·vi·sion·al
prə-ˈvi-zhə-nəl
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
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