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

The most recent state-level data on maternal mortality is still from 2022, with annual totals based on provisional data available through 2024. — Glenn Gamboa, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Beijing says the measure is provisional as an investigation continues. — Chan Ho-Him, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

Later, as the leading drivers prepared for their final Q3 runs, the provisional top three were Russell, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri and Gasly. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026

South Africa’s case accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention remains pending before the International Court of Justice, which has issued several provisional measures but has not ruled on the merits. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026