interim

1 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​im ˈin-tə-rəm 

: an intervening time : interval

interim

2 of 2

adjective

: done, made, appointed, or occurring for an interim

Synonyms

Noun

• discontinuity
• gap
• hiatus
• hiccup
• hiccough
• interlude
• intermission
• interregnum
• interruption
• interstice
• interval
• parenthesis

Adjective

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

Examples of interim in a Sentence

Noun

there was a brief interim in the proceedings while everyone got organized

Adjective

putting up some students in local motels is obviously just an interim solution to the college's housing shortage

will serve as interim head of the police department until the investigation is completed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Northwestern coach was an interim for most of the season. —David Ubben, The Athletic, 5 Apr. 2024

Assistant coach Mitch Johnson is expected to take over as the interim until Popovich can return to the sidelines. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Adjective

So, the authors should consider plug-in hybrids as a reasonable interim step, while chargers move consumers to adapt to all-electric vehicles when more charging alternatives are available. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024

This increase in cost ratio is due to mix shifts and lower volumes in staffing/interim businesses. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin, adverb, meanwhile, from inter between — more at inter-

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1580, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1604, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing interim

• ad interim
• in the interim

Kids Definition

interim

noun

in·​ter·​im

ˈin-tə-rəm

: a time intervening : interval

interim adjective

Legal Definition

interim

1 of 2 noun

in·​ter·​im ˈin-tə-rəm 

: an intervening time see also ad interim

interim

2 of 2 adjective

: done, made, appointed, or occurring for an interim

an interim disposition