proviso

noun

pro·​vi·​so prə-ˈvī-(ˌ)zō How to pronounce proviso (audio)
plural provisos also provisoes
1
: an article or clause (as in a contract) that introduces a condition
2
: a conditional stipulation

Examples of proviso in a Sentence

He accepted the job with one proviso: he would work alone. released the drunken revelers with the proviso that they behave for the remainder of the Mardi Gras
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.
Regarding the Rio Grande, the 1944 treaty directs Mexico to deliver 1.75 million-acre feet to the U.S. over the course of a five-year distribution cycle — with the proviso that Mexico can carry over deficits from one cycle to the next. Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 29 Mar. 2025 The state of Nevada has earmarked $380 million in public money with the proviso that Fisher has to spend $100 million out of his pocket first, Hill said. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 10 Mar. 2025 Graham, a long-standing ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, said that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine should include the proviso that, should Russia invade Ukraine again in future, Ukraine would be granted automatic and immediate membership of the NATO military alliance. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2025 Grammy rules list many provisos including making a major impact, first recording that established the artist’s public identity and so on. Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proviso

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin proviso quod provided that

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proviso was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proviso.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proviso. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

proviso

noun
pro·​vi·​so prə-ˈvī-zō How to pronounce proviso (audio)
plural provisos or provisoes
1
: a sentence or clause in a legal document in which a condition is stated
2
: a limiting statement
released them with the proviso that they behave

Legal Definition

proviso

noun
pro·​vi·​so prə-ˈvī-zō How to pronounce proviso (audio)
plural provisos or provisoes
1
: an article or clause (as in a statute or contract) that introduces a condition
2
: a conditional stipulation
Etymology

Medieval Latin proviso quod provided that

More from Merriam-Webster on proviso

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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