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
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2
as in temporary
serving in a position for the time being
he was appointed provisional executor of the industrialist's vast estate
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Recent Examples of provisional
According to the provisional calendar released Monday by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, there will be a total of 109 events spread between March 3 and 11.
—
Lily Templeton, WWD, 3 Feb. 2025
If passed, the bill would require a copy of all the provisional ballot oaths for the 2024 general election be submitted to the election division no later than Aug. 31.
—Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
Helio Castroneves, a talented driver with four Indianapolis 500 wins under his belt, is among the first to benefit from this new rule, securing a provisional spot in the 2025 Daytona 500.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025
The average private rent in the British capital jumped 11.5% last year, to £2,220 ($2,764) a month, according to provisional government figures.
—Anna Cooban, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for provisional 
Lily Templeton, WWD, 3 Feb. 2025
If passed, the bill would require a copy of all the provisional ballot oaths for the 2024 general election be submitted to the election division no later than Aug. 31.
—Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
Helio Castroneves, a talented driver with four Indianapolis 500 wins under his belt, is among the first to benefit from this new rule, securing a provisional spot in the 2025 Daytona 500.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025
The average private rent in the British capital jumped 11.5% last year, to £2,220 ($2,764) a month, according to provisional government figures.
—Anna Cooban, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for provisional
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Cite this Entry
“Provisional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provisional. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
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