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
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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
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Recent Examples of provisional
Additional Election Day, vote-by-mail and provisional ballots remain to be counted.
—
Teresa Liu, Daily News, 3 June 2026
After Election Day, counties continue counting mail ballots, provisional ballots and other outstanding votes during the official canvass period.
—Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026
In late April, Frahm was listed as a provisional player by the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), giving her an opportunity to join the professional league’s reserve pool.
—Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 2 June 2026
The team has already filed a provisional patent for the technology.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for provisional
Teresa Liu, Daily News, 3 June 2026
After Election Day, counties continue counting mail ballots, provisional ballots and other outstanding votes during the official canvass period.
—Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026
In late April, Frahm was listed as a provisional player by the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), giving her an opportunity to join the professional league’s reserve pool.
—Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 2 June 2026
The team has already filed a provisional patent for the technology.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for provisional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provisional
Adjective
-
Public Safety Director Andy Wilson has been appointed interim attorney general until January.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 June 2026
-
Key differences include softening cuts to capacity at the Newton Street shelter, which would be funded by a complete closure of the Lighthouse interim shelter and a $400,000 cut to a family reunification program.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator between the US and Iran in recent months during the war in the Middle East, playing a leading role in negotiating a temporary ceasefire in April.—
Alayna Treene,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
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Authority is temporary and shared equally among seven voices.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provisional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provisional. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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