PROVISIONAL Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

provisional

adjective

prə-ˈvizh-nəl

Definition of provisional

as in interim

intended to last, continue, or serve for a limited time will form a provisional government until a new leader can be elected

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in temporary

serving in a position for the time being he was appointed provisional executor of the industrialist's vast estate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 provisional Its driver was only in possession of a provisional license and had been behind the wheel of the vehicle for less than half an hour when he was pulled over by police. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2026 Thousands of cases of a potentially deadly, drug-resistant fungus have been reported across 27 states so far this year, according to provisional CDC data. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026 The provisional treaty, it will be observed, does not attempt to deal in detail with the questions that grow out of the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands to the United States. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026 Voters who don't bring a valid photo ID will be offered a provisional ballot and must present an ID to their clerk within three days after the election for their votes to count. — Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for provisional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provisional

Adjective

Harris has continued to do a lot for the Trojans, who notched their first victory under interim coach Jimmy McCormack with a 50-7 win.

— Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
April De Leon, Broad interim school program manager, is overseeing the program.

— Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of interim

Adjective

Gates officially open Monday, August 31, but just over half of the attendees will arrive earlier to build the big art installations and other features of the temporary city.

— Anya Kamenetz, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026
However, temporary court orders and pending litigation have affected the official list of qualifying professional degrees.

— Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of temporary

Browse Nearby Words

provision

provisional

provisionary

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“Provisional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provisional. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of provisional

adjective

Example Sentences

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