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

Penn State has filed a provisional patent for the technology. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

The provisional cause of death was mechanical asphyxiation by drowning and respiratory failure, coroner Rose Farmer told Gwent Coroner’s Court Monday, according to the BBC and South Wales Argus. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026

Before taking adverse action based on criminal history, employers must complete and document an individualized assessment, provide that assessment to the applicant, and issue a provisional notice identifying the criminal history at issue. — Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

From January to June, California has reported 41 provisional cases of cyclosporiasis, compared to 80 cases during the same period in 2025, the department said. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026