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
-
These back-and-forth jabs appear to put ever greater distance between the parties, nearly four weeks after the US and Iran first reached their temporary ceasefire.—
Nic Robertson,
CNN Money,
1 May 2026 -
DeCiccio expects the public course, known as WP9 and running prominently through the tony city, to be completely closed until May 18, when temporary greens will allow limited play.—
Stephen Hudak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The chancellor released interim guidance last month, with a full policy due in June.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
3 May 2026
-
That delay gave the regents board an excuse last November to extend Maduko’s contract as interim chancellor until June 30, 2027.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
Gregory Brown, the founder of a Beverly Hills company called GlobalCast Partners, LLC, contacted Epstein and sought his help in freeing those funds for the rebels, who later formed the provisional government after Gaddafi’s fall.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Voters who conditionally register can cast provisional ballots in the two weeks leading up to Election Day at early voting sites.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado,
Sacbee.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cite this Entry
“Provisory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provisory. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
