pro tem

adverb

(ˌ)prō-ˈtem How to pronounce pro tem (audio)
: pro tempore

Examples of pro tem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In 2019, when Altamirano was mayor pro tem, a council member accused Altamirano of sucker-punching him. — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 McManus, a personal injury attorney by trade, served on the City Council from 2015 to 2023, and Lucas previously named him the mayor pro tem. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 The office of Senate president pro tem Monique Limón issued a statement in support of the film industry while referring other questions to the governor. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026 Mayoral duties will be assumed by the mayor pro tem, officials said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pro tem

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pro tem was in 1777

Rhymes for pro tem

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Browse Nearby Words

Protelytroptera
pro tem
pro tempore
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Cite this Entry

“Pro tem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pro%20tem. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Legal Definition

pro tem

adverb or adjective
: pro tempore
—often styled with a terminal period in legal contexts
Justice pro tem.
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