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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Still, energy analysts note global markets tend to adjust over time — even if short-term disruptions can lead to temporary price spikes.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026 -
Hair shedding is usually temporary, but hair loss can sometimes be permanent.—
Rebecca Strong,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Then Spanish-Georgian lightweight champion Ilia Topuria takes on interim champ Justin Gaethje, one of just two Americans who currently hold even a share of the UFC’s 11 championship belts.—
Will Weissert,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
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Solana Beach and Del Mar recently approved the hiring of Colin Stowell as interim fire chief to serve both cities during the transition.—
Luke Harold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Aligning with the backdrop of shifting labor dynamics at the e-commerce giant, the Teamsters gained some breakthroughs in its new provisional DHL contract.—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
1 Apr. 2026
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Details about the project are scant, but for someone like Kéré, that provisional vagueness would represent an opportunity.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
1 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Provisory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provisory. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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