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

Those include provisional ballots that require review and determination by the canvassing board and mail ballots that require signature cures. — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026

Election results will not be certified for several days as the elections office continues to count provisional and mail-in ballots postmarked Tuesday but arriving after the election. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026

The Romanian gymnast, 20, who is a sophomore at Stanford University, appealed the initial provisional suspension in August. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2026

While all Election Day results have been counted, outstanding mail-in and provisional ballots must still be tallied. — Nats_syndicator, Baltimore Sun, 5 Nov. 2026