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

One specific criticism of Consumer Watchdog revolves around a unique proviso of Proposition 103. —Sam Dean, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024

With these provisos: First, Holiday wasn’t white, and didn’t have any cushioning money behind her. —Elizabeth Barber, Harper's Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024

With this proviso: Limited and proportional strikes on matériel do not go far enough. —Matthew Continetti, National Review, 12 Jan. 2024

But there must be one proviso: that Hamas is not in a position to threaten Israel ever again. —Dennis Ross, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2023

Eventually, Biden approved the delivery, with the proviso that the HIMARS not be used to hit targets inside Russia. —Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2023

This proviso is a bit problematic, since the Republican front-runner, Donald Trump, has been indicted twice and is facing criminal trials. —James Pindell, BostonGlobe.com, 13 July 2023

My sister was given our mother's jewelry with the proviso that pieces be given to the granddaughters. —Sahaj Kaur Kohli, Washington Post, 20 July 2023

Foreign investors notwithstanding, the whole deal was carried out with the proviso, West says, that if Greene could somehow magically assemble the capital, he would be permitted to buy back the lofts from Atelier. —Michael Granberry, Dallas News, 23 June 2023

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