Synonyms of provisional

provisional

adjective

prə-ˈvizh-nəl 

1

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

• interim
• temporary
• transitional
• short-term
• provisionary
• provisory
• alternate
• impermanent
• tentative
• acting
• conditional
• ad interim
• makeshift
• expedient
• proxy
• intermediate
• substitute
• transitory
• limited
• ephemeral
• intermediary
• qualified
• fleeting
• improvised
• terminate
• short-range
• contingent
• terminable
• short-lived
• fugitive
• replaceable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permanent
• final
• long-term
• fixed
• unconditional
• settled
• unlimited
• unqualified
• set
• extended
• lasting
• standing
• eternal
• long-range
• perpetual
• everlasting
• immortal
• endless
• enduring
• timeless
• unending
• undying
• deathless
• dateless

2

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

• interim
• temporary
• acting
• provisionary
• provisory
• ad interim
• makeshift
• alternate
• proxy
• backup
• stopgap
• substitute
• make-do
• jackleg

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permanent
• long-term

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of provisional

If your voter registration record cannot be found, then you may be issued a provisional ballot. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

While overdose deaths have dropped significantly over the past few years, the most recent provisional data suggest fentanyl and other synthetic opioids were involved in more than 35,000 US deaths in the past year. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, Microsoft posted a provisional code of conduct that would place restrictions on its future AI models. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Katubadi cast a provisional ballot in Tarrant County during the November 2024 general election after falsely claiming citizenship on an affidavit of provisional voter, prosecutors said. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026