Synonyms of provisional

provisional

adjective

prə-ˈvizh-nəl 

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

• interim
• temporary
• transitional
• short-term
• provisionary
• provisory
• alternate
• impermanent
• tentative
• acting
• conditional
• ad interim
• makeshift
• expedient
• proxy
• intermediate
• substitute
• transitory
• limited
• ephemeral
• intermediary
• qualified
• fleeting
• improvised
• terminate
• short-range
• contingent
• terminable
• short-lived
• fugitive
• replaceable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permanent
• final
• long-term
• fixed
• unconditional
• settled
• unlimited
• unqualified
• set
• extended
• lasting
• standing
• eternal
• long-range
• perpetual
• everlasting
• immortal
• endless
• enduring
• timeless
• unending
• undying
• deathless
• dateless

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

• interim
• temporary
• acting
• provisionary
• provisory
• ad interim
• makeshift
• alternate
• proxy
• backup
• stopgap
• substitute
• make-do
• jackleg

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permanent
• long-term

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of provisional

Voters who don't bring a valid photo ID will be offered a provisional ballot and must present an ID to their clerk within three days after the election for their votes to count. — Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Iranian officials continue to insist that a provisional agreement to manage shipping through the strait has nothing to do with the US, and is intsead a bilateral arrangement with Oman. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

However, for its loan to The British Museum, the UK Treasury officially underwrote the artifact with a provisional valuation of £800 million (approximately $1 billion USD). — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

The driver was also on a provisional driving license, which can only be used for learning how to drive. — Duarte Dias, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026