proviso

noun

pro·​vi·​so prə-ˈvī-(ˌ)zō 

plural provisos also provisoes

1

: an article or clause (as in a contract) that introduces a condition

2

: a conditional stipulation

Synonyms

• condition
• contingency
• if
• provision
• qualification
• reservation
• stipulation

Examples of proviso in a Sentence

He accepted the job with one proviso: he would work alone.

released the drunken revelers with the proviso that they behave for the remainder of the Mardi Gras

Recent Examples on the Web

Of course, those demands are always accompanied by a proviso that someone other than those making the demand should pay for it. —Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025

In order to acquire Sinners, Warner Bros. even agreed to revert the rights back to the director after 25 years, an unusual (although not unheard-of) proviso. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2025

Regarding the Rio Grande, the 1944 treaty directs Mexico to deliver 1.75 million-acre feet to the U.S. over the course of a five-year distribution cycle — with the proviso that Mexico can carry over deficits from one cycle to the next. —Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 29 Mar. 2025

The state of Nevada has earmarked $380 million in public money with the proviso that Fisher has to spend $100 million out of his pocket first, Hill said. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin proviso quod provided that

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

proviso

noun

pro·​vi·​so prə-ˈvī-zō 

plural provisos or provisoes

1

: a sentence or clause in a legal document in which a condition is stated

2

: a limiting statement

released them with the proviso that they behave

Legal Definition

proviso

noun

pro·​vi·​so prə-ˈvī-zō 

plural provisos or provisoes

1

: an article or clause (as in a statute or contract) that introduces a condition

2

: a conditional stipulation

Etymology

Medieval Latin proviso quod provided that