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
Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026
Under state law, provisional votes will be counted in the coming days in a district that includes Durham and Chapel Hill.
—Elena Moore, NPR, 4 Mar. 2026
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2026
With no clear sight of the ball, he was forced to play a provisional.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provisional
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
Outstanding ballots The Mecklenburg County Board of Elections still must review provisional ballots cast by voters whose eligibility required additional verification on Friday.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026
Under state law, provisional votes will be counted in the coming days in a district that includes Durham and Chapel Hill.
—Elena Moore, NPR, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
The mayor must fill these vacancies soon and should consider doing so by hiring hundreds of provisionals.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2026
With no clear sight of the ball, he was forced to play a provisional.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 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 6 Mar. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
