provisional

1 of 2

adjective

pro·​vi·​sion·​al prə-ˈvizh-nəl 

-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

Synonyms

Adjective

• ad interim
• impermanent
• interim
• provisionary
• provisory
• short-term
• temporary

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

Adjective

Thirteen states don’t require an ID to vote, 17 do, and others allow voters to fill out provisional ballots without IDs. —Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 12 Apr. 2024

Where other artists’ images were heavy-handed, overworked, often tediously moralistic, Whistler’s pictures look provisional, disinterested (in the impartial, non-sentimental sense) and (to our eyes) remarkably modern. —Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1601, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1886, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing provisional

• provisional licence

Kids Definition

provisional

adjective

pro·​vi·​sion·​al

prə-ˈvizh-nəl,

-ən-ᵊl

: serving for the time being

a provisional government

provisional arrangements

provisionally

-ē

adverb

Legal 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