1
as in temporary
intended to last, continue, or serve for a limited time
putting up some students in local motels is obviously just an interim solution to the college's housing shortage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in provisional
serving in a position for the time being
will serve as interim head of the police department until the investigation is completed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in interval
a break in continuity
there was a brief interim in the proceedings while everyone got organized
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of interim
Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
After separating from the upper stage, the Artemis II crew carried out a manual piloting demo to test Orion’s handling qualities using the ICPS (interim cryogenic propulsion stage) as a docking target.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
Garcia also served as the interim for a few months that same year before Vanderpool began the job in September.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interim
Adjective
When Mitchell Scott retired as chief a month later, Dahlstrom was named interim chief.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
After separating from the upper stage, the Artemis II crew carried out a manual piloting demo to test Orion’s handling qualities using the ICPS (interim cryogenic propulsion stage) as a docking target.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
The Aurora City Council has approved the appointment of three top city leaders, all of whom had been serving as interims in their respective roles.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
Garcia also served as the interim for a few months that same year before Vanderpool began the job in September.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for interim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for interim
Adjective
-
After more than 16 hours of travel, Vice President Vance arrived in Islamabad for peace talks with Iranian leaders on the fifth day of a temporary ceasefire in the war, now at the end of its sixth week.—
Brian Dakss,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The judge ultimately came to the temporary decision of Mortensen being granted temporary custody for Ever with supervised visits for Paul — an arrangement that will last until a second hearing on April 30 to discuss competing protective orders filed by Paul and Mortensen.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Nearly 126,000 babies were born to mothers aged 15 to 19, according to provisional data.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
9 Apr. 2026
-
So far, the WGA has only disclosed to members that the provisional agreement will span four years rather than the union’s typical three.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This meant that watching your ship blast across the screen — as well as the aliens appearing at random intervals — hit harder for players, ramping up the tension and, ultimately, the fun.—
Daryl Baxter,
Space.com,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Hákon Haraldsson put the host ahead just before the interval, finishing a swift move sparked by a long, precise pass from Lille captain Aïssa Mandi.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Layering is essential during the cooler and transitional seasons, but you're not tied down to a specific type of layer.—
Amber Rambharose,
InStyle,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause when hormones are volatile, which typically starts in one’s early 40s, and for some, even earlier.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has been elevated to the top job, on at least an acting basis, and is performing the duties of the department’s top official.—
Stephen Groves,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Miley Cyrus also reflected on her bond with Osment on the series, which was her first big acting role.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Activists argue that the sudden interruption of the program caused a loss of trust among citizens.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Lawmakers say the funding ensures the 460,000 public employees, retirees and dependents who access health care through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) face no interruptions to their coverage.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Diaz, in her second screen appearance since ending her own acting hiatus, is welcome if hardly tested as a long-suffering bestie, while Bomer scores the film’s few straightforward laughs as her dim-bulb sidekick.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Others aren’t so sure, pointing to the long hiatus, the off-screen turmoil and a television landscape that no longer moves in lockstep.—
Precious Fondren,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The vote came after Chan recommended forgoing raises for city employees because of a budget gap.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Teams will use the five-week gap between the races in Japan and Miami to knuckle down at their factories and develop car upgrades that could boost their fortunes upon returning to the track in May.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Interim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/interim. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
