interim

1 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​im ˈin-tə-rəm 

: an intervening time : interval

interim

2 of 2

adjective

: done, made, appointed, or occurring for an interim

an interim assignment

Synonyms of interim

Noun

• interval
• interruption
• hiatus
• gap
• pause

Adjective

• temporary
• provisional
• transitional

Examples of interim in a Sentence

Noun

there was a brief interim in the proceedings while everyone got organized

Adjective

putting up some students in local motels is obviously just an interim solution to the college's housing shortage

will serve as interim head of the police department until the investigation is completed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Florida interim Billy Gonzales already has a game under him, a fourth quarter loss to Georgia at a neutral site in Jacksonville, Fla. —Matt Hayes, USA TODAY, 7 Nov. 2025

The Irvine City Council promoted from within to fill the city’s top executive position, this week dropping interim from City Manager Sean Crumby’s title. —Victoria Le, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025

Adjective

He was appointed interim commissioner in August following the retirement of former Commissioner Alan McClain. —Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2025

New president Wade Rousse, hired to the job on Tuesday, has decided to promote interim athletic director Verge Ausberry to the full-time role, a school source confirmed to The Athletic. —Chris Vannini, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin, adverb, meanwhile, from inter between — more at inter-

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1580, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1604, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing interim

• ad interim
• in the interim

Kids Definition

interim

noun

in·​ter·​im

ˈin-tə-rəm

: a time intervening : interval

interim adjective

Legal Definition

interim

1 of 2 noun

in·​ter·​im ˈin-tə-rəm 

: an intervening time see also ad interim

interim

2 of 2 adjective

: done, made, appointed, or occurring for an interim

an interim disposition