temporary

1 of 2

adjective

tem·​po·​rary ˈtem-pə-ˌrer-ē 

: lasting for a limited time

temporariness noun

temporariness

2 of 2

noun

tem·​po·​rar·​i·​ness

-ˌrerin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being temporary

Synonyms of temporary

Adjective

• interim
• provisional
• short-term

Examples of temporary in a Sentence

Adjective

The drug will give you temporary relief from the pain.

The delay is only temporary.

The settlers built temporary shelters.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

At a 2024 event hosted by the Miami Host Committee, committee President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo addressed the temporary name changes and signage requirements that the venue would face under FIFA rules. —Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026

All guests staying at the hotel also become temporary members of the Equinox Fitness Club for the duration of your stay. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026

Because the World Cup should be a temporary antidote to all that ails us. —Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 10 June 2026

Russia's federal air transport agency, Rosaviatsiya, announced temporary flight restrictions for at least 10 airports in southern and western Russia overnight into Wednesday morning, according to statements posted on its official Telegram channel. —David Brennan, ABC News, 10 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Latin temporārius "suited to the occasion, made for the occasion, lasting a limited time," from tempor-, tempus "time, period of time" + -ārius -ary entry 2 — more at tempo

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1564, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing temporary

• temporary duty

Rhymes for temporary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

temporary

adjective

tem·​po·​rary

ˈtem-pə-ˌrer-ē

: not permanent : lasting for a limited time

a temporary shortage

temporarily

ˌtem-pə-ˈrer-ə-lē

adverb

Etymology

Adjective

from Latin temporarius "lasting for only a short time," from tempus "time" — related to tense entry 1