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

Getting even that provisional approval required calls and follow-ups with multiple city departments. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 24 June 2025

The agriculture minister secured $3 billion worth of provisional deals during a tour of U.S. states. —Arkansas Online, 21 June 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

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1601, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1886, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing provisional

• provisional licence

Rhymes for provisional

• collisional
• decisional
• divisional
• incisional

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