1
as in interim
intended to last, continue, or serve for a limited time
summer workers looking for temporary accommodations in private homes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in flash
lasting only for a short time
a temporary lapse of memory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in provisional
serving in a position for the time being
the temporary head of the sales division
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in temp
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of temporary
Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2026
The tolls were meant to be temporary until the bonds issued to build the roads were paid off.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
While this approach seems reasonable, its tradeoffs necessitate SNAP reforms that balance keeping this costly program temporary for recipients while supporting their agency and choice for long-term self-sufficiency.
—Vance Ginn, National Review, 11 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for temporary
Adjective
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Crystal Hill said Friday that she has not been informed of the specific concerns that prompted a board review that led to her being placed on temporary leave.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2026
The tolls were meant to be temporary until the bonds issued to build the roads were paid off.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
Noun
Yes, but: A federal judge on Tuesday temporary halted that effort through next Monday amid a legal challenge.
—Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
While this approach seems reasonable, its tradeoffs necessitate SNAP reforms that balance keeping this costly program temporary for recipients while supporting their agency and choice for long-term self-sufficiency.
—Vance Ginn, National Review, 11 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for temporary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temporary
Adjective
-
Trump made the threat on Sunday, even as Vice President JD Vance met Iranian officials in Switzerland for the first talks under the interim accord.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
22 June 2026
-
Assistant Leif Gunnar Smerud was named interim coach while the team searches for Straus’ replacement.—
Jordan Puente,
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2026
Adjective
-
In fact, the weather service said that more than 50% of flash-flood deaths happen in vehicles driven into floodwaters.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
-
Don’t miss Alcopop’s Black Mango Watermelon, Seongju Chamoe and Watermelon Ice Pop; Matcha Latte, with flash-frozen local herbs and a hand-cut ice diamond; and Journey, a concoction that maps a tomato’s global odyssey.—
Melinda Sheckells,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
Paradoxically, any such relief and the unfreezing of assets would almost certainly be provisional on major concessions on Iran’s nuclear program – concessions that hardliners are likely to reject.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
-
With a provisional agreement due to be signed Friday that cements a truce between Washington and Tehran, countries across the region are picking up the pieces from the conflict.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream room temp butter and sugar together, then add eggs.—
Ella Field,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 June 2026
-
Store unripe peaches at room temp in a single layer; refrigerate or freeze ripe ones to extend freshness.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
Fed officials control a short-term interest rate, but the rates that affect the economy — such as the yield on the 10-year Treasury — are heavily influenced by investors’ expectations for inflation and economic growth.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Fortune,
20 June 2026
-
Fed officials control a short-term interest rate, but the rates that affect the economy — such as the yield on the 10-year Treasury — are heavily influenced by investors' expectations for inflation and economic growth.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
That brief relief seemingly ignored an announcement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) just a few days earlier, that could create more intractable trouble for businesses in the months ahead.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
-
Having a holiday such as Juneteenth to celebrate allows for a brief respite—a pause—to recall how necessary Black Americans are to the very existence and survival of this country—then and now.—
Jennifer Rosen Heinz,
Parents,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
The announcement — made by Starmer in a statement outside 10 Downing Street — follows Labour’s poor performance in recent local elections, as well as months of intra-party turmoil over fiscal policy, welfare reforms and Starmer’s appointment of an associate of Jeffrey Epstein.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
22 June 2026
-
In the Death of Robin Hood, a mythical figure named Robin lives in isolation until his young associate brings trouble his way that nearly kills him.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
22 June 2026
Adjective
-
In a city celebrated for artworks that have survived for centuries, this installation was very nearly too transient.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
-
The true horizon of value creation requires a longer-term play—one that prioritizes physical AI and hardware-heavy infrastructure over the transient cycles of digital-only applications.—
Alexandra Vidyuk,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Temporary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temporary. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
