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
The ruling was provisional, reinstating the law while a challenge to it moves forward.
—
Adam Liptak, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
For example, a taxpayer who receives a provisional emissions rate before starting construction can rely upon the provisional emissions rate for their entire credit period under the final rules.
—Marie Sapirie, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Netanyahu described the agreement as a provisional short term deal as negotiations for a second stage remain underway.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 18 Jan. 2025
The app allowed users to check border wait times, apply for a provisional legal visitor status (I-94 entry), request inspection of agriculture or biological products and more.
—Kate Murphy, Axios, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for provisional 
Adam Liptak, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
For example, a taxpayer who receives a provisional emissions rate before starting construction can rely upon the provisional emissions rate for their entire credit period under the final rules.
—Marie Sapirie, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Netanyahu described the agreement as a provisional short term deal as negotiations for a second stage remain underway.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 18 Jan. 2025
The app allowed users to check border wait times, apply for a provisional legal visitor status (I-94 entry), request inspection of agriculture or biological products and more.
—Kate Murphy, Axios, 21 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 9 Feb. 2025.
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