pro·vi·sion·al
prə-ˈvizh-nəl 
-ˈvi-zhə-nᵊl
: serving for the time being : temporary
a provisional government
provisionally
adverb
: a postage stamp for use until a regular issue appears compare definitive
Synonyms
Examples of provisional in a Sentence
Adjective
The government has given provisional approval for the use of the new drug.
will form a provisional government until a new leader can be elected
Recent Examples on the Web
Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
Additionally, Helio Castroneves' entry into NASCAR with a provisional option provides a unique twist.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2025
The 2022 turnout rate will rise only slightly with an official canvass, which will include all valid provisional and absentee ballots that were postmarked by the day before the election and received by the statutory deadline.
—Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 10 Nov. 2022
See all Example Sentences for provisional 
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Adjective
Moore did not appeal her provisional suspension; under Tennis Anti-Doping Program (TADP) protocol, a player who does not appeal (or appeals unsuccessfully) is suspended for the duration of the subsequent investigation.
—Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
Additionally, Helio Castroneves' entry into NASCAR with a provisional option provides a unique twist.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
Noun
World-class drivers are guaranteed entry before qualifying A new provisional will increase the Cup Series field to 41 cars for some races.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2025
The 2022 turnout rate will rise only slightly with an official canvass, which will include all valid provisional and absentee ballots that were postmarked by the day before the election and received by the statutory deadline.
—Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 10 Nov. 2022
See all Example Sentences for provisional
Dictionary Entries Near provisional
Cite this Entry
“Provisional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provisional. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
provisional
adjective
pro·vi·sion·al
prə-ˈvi-zhə-nəl
1
: provided for a temporary need : suitable or acceptable in the existing situation but subject to change or nullification
a provisional government
provisional custody of a minor
2
: of, relating to, or being temporary judicial acts or proceedings (as of attachment, injunction, or sequestration) allowed before final judgment to protect the interests of one or more parties to an action
a provisional remedy
provisionally
adverb
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