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
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
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Provisional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provisional. Accessed 15 Jul. 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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