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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of provisional

In District 1, which spans Ellicott City, Dorsey’s Search, Elkridge and Hanover, Ricks was behind opponent Andre Gao by 56 votes on election night, but took the lead as mail-in and provisional ballots were counted. —Kiersten Hacker, Baltimore Sun, 19 Nov. 2024

Election results are unofficial until provisional ballots and all remaining vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day are counted Nov. 19, with official results reported on Nov. 26. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2024

Voters were given emergency, provisional ballots to use amid the issues. —Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2024

Nearly 37,000 provisional ballots have also been submitted in Orange County, according to the tally. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 5 Nov. 2024