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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Paniotto said that most Ukrainians oppose holding elections – not only during the war, but even during any kind of temporary ceasefire.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026 -
That turned into a seismic moment in British history, leading to Charles’ beheading and the temporary abolition of the monarchy.—
Pan Pylas,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Head coach Igor Tudor had only five days to work with the squad after replacing Thomas Frank on an interim basis until the end of the season.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
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The board of the South Broward Hospital District (Memorial Healthcare System) abdicated its leadership role and allowed Strum to take over as Memorial’s interim CEO.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In reality the nine-point advantage was only ever provisional, as City had a game in hand, but the perception was that the title race took a big swing.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2026
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The report's author said that early, provisional data from 2025 suggests some improvements in prenatal care access but warned that could change once the data is finalized his summer.—
Erika Edwards,
NBC news,
19 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Provisory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provisory. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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