temporary

1 of 2

adjective

tem·​po·​rary ˈtem-pə-ˌrer-ē 

: lasting for a limited time

temporariness noun

temporary

2 of 2

noun

plural temporaries

: one serving for a limited time

adding several temporaries as typists during the summer

Synonyms

Adjective

• ad interim
• impermanent
• interim
• provisional
• provisionary
• provisory
• short-term

Examples of temporary in a Sentence

Adjective

The drug will give you temporary relief from the pain.

The delay is only temporary.

The settlers built temporary shelters.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Delays in tariff implementation on Canadian and Mexican goods have provided temporary relief, but the potential for future tariff increases remains a concern. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025

Another judge in New York, U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas on Friday extended the temporary block against the DOGE team looking for government waste, from gaining access to confidential government information in the Treasury Department's computer systems. —Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025

Noun

King's decision follows a similar move by a federal judge in Maryland, who on Thursday temporary halted Mr. Trump's executive action for 14 days. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2025

Yes, but: A federal judge on Tuesday temporary halted that effort through next Monday amid a legal challenge. —Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Latin temporārius "suited to the occasion, made for the occasion, lasting a limited time," from tempor-, tempus "time, period of time" + -ārius -ary entry 2 — more at tempo

Noun

derivative of temporary entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1564, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1848, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing temporary

• temporary duty

Rhymes for temporary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

temporary

adjective

tem·​po·​rary

ˈtem-pə-ˌrer-ē

: not permanent : lasting for a limited time

a temporary shortage

temporarily

ˌtem-pə-ˈrer-ə-lē

adverb

Etymology

Adjective

from Latin temporarius "lasting for only a short time," from tempus "time" — related to tense entry 1