1
as in interim
intended to last, continue, or serve for a limited time
will form a provisional government until a new leader can be elected
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in temporary
serving in a position for the time being
he was appointed provisional executor of the industrialist's vast estate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provisional
Additional Election Day, vote-by-mail and provisional ballots remain to be counted.
—
Teresa Liu, Daily News, 3 June 2026
After Election Day, counties continue counting mail ballots, provisional ballots and other outstanding votes during the official canvass period.
—Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026
In late April, Frahm was listed as a provisional player by the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), giving her an opportunity to join the professional league’s reserve pool.
—Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 2 June 2026
The team has already filed a provisional patent for the technology.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for provisional
Teresa Liu, Daily News, 3 June 2026
After Election Day, counties continue counting mail ballots, provisional ballots and other outstanding votes during the official canvass period.
—Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026
In late April, Frahm was listed as a provisional player by the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), giving her an opportunity to join the professional league’s reserve pool.
—Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 2 June 2026
The team has already filed a provisional patent for the technology.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for provisional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provisional
Adjective
-
The city’s release said Boise Airport Deputy Director of Finance and Business Development Kathleen Watkins would serve as interim director while a search begins to recruit Hupp’s replacement.—
Shannon Tyler
May 31,
Idaho Statesman,
31 May 2026
-
Helen Toner, interim executive director at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology, said those differing descriptions about AI in the military are both true.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator between the US and Iran in recent months during the war in the Middle East, playing a leading role in negotiating a temporary ceasefire in April.—
Alayna Treene,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
Authority is temporary and shared equally among seven voices.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provisional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provisional. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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