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

Average air fares have declined slightly in the past month, but are still up more than 10% compared to this time last year, according to provisional reporting from tracking firms. — Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026

Life expectancy hit another record high in 2025, according to new provisional federal data. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Same-day voter registration, however, is not available in more than half of the country, and provisional voting comes with a risk of not getting counted because of clerical errors. — Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 1 July 2026

According to a provisional post-mortem, he is also believed to have died by suicide. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026