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 provisional executive order comes into force immediately but will need congressional approval within 120 days to remain in effect. — ABC News, 25 Sep. 2026

Neighborhood residents even decided to preserve the park’s popular graffiti walls that, with the provisional approval from Denver Parks & Recreation, can still be added to. — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2026

If your voter registration record cannot be found, then you may be issued a provisional ballot. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

While overdose deaths have dropped significantly over the past few years, the most recent provisional data suggest fentanyl and other synthetic opioids were involved in more than 35,000 US deaths in the past year. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026