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
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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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The forthcoming Olympics in Los Angeles will only use existing or temporary stadiums, in the hope of minimizing the environmental impact of new construction.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
7 Jan. 2026 -
While the temporary jail facility will not be subject to the city ordinance requiring the standard, the permanent facility that is also planned will be.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Beere began serving as the interim chief in November, following Chief Floyd Mitchell’s abrupt resignation weeks earlier.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
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In moving Baker to the budget office, Levine Cava also named Lydia Lopez, an assistant library director, as his interim replacement.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Her staff meets regularly, and begins roster selection with a massive provisional roster that includes the senior group and U-23 side.—
Melanie Anzidei,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
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And anything bordering on colonial or Cold War language—protectorate, satellite state, occupied territory, vassal state, provisional government, client—are pretty much non-starters with the foreign policy establishment that knows these things seldom end well for the bigger power.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
8 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Provisory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provisory. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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