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
Relevance
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
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 provisional
Authorities said that the provisional cause of Smith’s death was multiple injuries from a fall.
—
David Chiu, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Rachad Fettal, a 20-year-old forward who recently arrived from Almeria, has been included in Spain’s provisional Under-21 squad.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
Behind the provisional stage, cars passed by and buses trudged along to their next stop while passengers glanced curiously at the impromptu rock show that shut the street down.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2025
Determined to protect his work, Willows bought a Patent It Yourself book and drafted his first provisional application by hand.
—Jon Stojan, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provisional
David Chiu, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Rachad Fettal, a 20-year-old forward who recently arrived from Almeria, has been included in Spain’s provisional Under-21 squad.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
Behind the provisional stage, cars passed by and buses trudged along to their next stop while passengers glanced curiously at the impromptu rock show that shut the street down.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 22 Aug. 2025
Determined to protect his work, Willows bought a Patent It Yourself book and drafted his first provisional application by hand.
—Jon Stojan, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provisional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provisional
Adjective
-
Depending on the outcome, the Supreme Court could be asked to determine whether district judges or the executive branch has final say over interim prosecutorial appointments.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Sep. 2025
-
His role at Film4/Channel 4 has been split back into two and the permanent TV drama boss is yet to be unveiled, with Gwawr Lloyd currently in post on an interim basis.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Those comments were encouraging given some of the temporary hiccups Nvidia experienced when shifting from the Hopper architecture to the Blackwell generation.—
,
CNBC,
28 Aug. 2025
-
According to the New York Daily News, during his appearance, Mingus, 25, discussed with Judge Michelle Weber the terms of extending the temporary order of protection that was issued at his arraignment.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provisional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provisional. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share