1
as in temporary
intended to last, continue, or serve for a limited time
a provisory permit to block off the street while movie scenes were being shot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in interim
serving in a position for the time being
a provisory legal adviser who will be replaced by a court-appointed public defender
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provisory
Adjective
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However, composite veneers still remain very much a cheaper temporary option and are largely used not only for minor cosmetic changes but also a quick smile makeover.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025 -
Even a one-hour time change can cause temporary misalignment in your sleep-wake cycle.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Ausberry was promoted to the interim job in Woodward’s place, and the board gave him the authority to lead the coaching hire.—
Chris Vannini,
New York Times,
5 Nov. 2025
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By mid-season, he was named interim manager when the Jays trudged to a 46-42 record in the first few months and manager Charlie Montoyo got the axe.—
Jon Vankin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, the job of being a professor became more tenuous and provisional—some 75 percent of faculty are nontenured, many working term to term, with the fate of their employment determined, in part, by student course evaluations.—
Ian Bogost,
The Atlantic,
4 Nov. 2025
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At polling places that remained closed, voters were sent to other sits to pick up provisional ballots.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Provisory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provisory. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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