transitional

adjective

Definition of transitionalnext
as in intermediate

Related Words

Relevance

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 transitional Many nonprofit leaders feel forced to shift toward transitional housing. — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026 Service providers acknowledge that transitional housing is a good option for some people, such as those getting on their feet after evictions. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026 This work should produce current-state, transitional and intended-state maps. — Dr. Timothy J. Giardino, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 In eastern Syria, a man complaining about soaring fuel prices turns to the crowd recording him on their phones and addresses the country’s transitional president. — Tala Alrajjal, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transitional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transitional
  1. intermediate
  2. transitory
  3. intermediary
  4. makeshift
  5. expedient
  6. ephemeral
Adjective
  • Martin believes short and intermediate maturities make the most sense.
    — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • In seeking a delay, Arizona’s attorneys said Silver adopted a drastic takeover remedy without first trying intermediate fixes to speed compliance.
    — Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of intermediate
Adjective
  • Since his confirmation earlier this year, the central bank has split further on whether inflation is truly transitory; last month’s decision to keep rates steady resulted in the most dissents since 1970.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That all prices – high and low – are transitory is tautological.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of transitory
Adjective
  • The new rules also call for closer regulation of intermediary agencies that assist people with leaving China, and task them with reporting anyone who tries to exit unlawfully.
    — Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Beer distribution—the highly lucrative and highly protected intermediary industry between brewers and bars—is one.
    — John Lanchester, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of intermediary
Adjective
  • While certainly an improvement on the current barriers (which are a shockingly makeshift solution for a museum that cost over $1 billion), the plaza’s main entryways will remain gated off, confirmed both Lu and Lucas Museum spokesperson Seth Fowler.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Many of these migrants navigate the passage on makeshift boats that can capsize in treacherous waters.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of makeshift
Adjective
  • Making everyone a potential spy or assassin was only an expedient way to destroy institutions internally and externally through financial incentives.
    — Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
  • While his expedient return to action after those injuries was commendable, the Mets are wondering if a lack of rehab took its toll.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026
Definition of expedient
Adjective
  • So many people point to Stop Making Sense as the benchmark for how to transform a live performance into something more than an ephemeral moment happening in front of a lens.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The event at the 12-acre West Midtown art center, which this year will take place Saturday, features dozens of artists, live music, open studios and other ephemeral experiences.
    — Tess Malone, AJC.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of ephemeral

Browse Nearby Words

transition
transitional
transitions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Transitional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transitional. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All