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
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
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
Yet over a decade later, the constitution remains provisional and there is no clear agreement on how the central government in Mogadishu shares power with Somalia’s seven member states—some of which operate fairly autonomously.
—Omar S Mahmood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Suarez started the weekend with an Xfinity Series qualifying accident, which forced him to use Nascar’s new international provisional.
—Joseph Wolkin, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for provisional
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Adjective
The casualties put Haiti’s provisional death toll from Hurricane Melissa at 23.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
Yet over a decade later, the constitution remains provisional and there is no clear agreement on how the central government in Mogadishu shares power with Somalia’s seven member states—some of which operate fairly autonomously.
—Omar S Mahmood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
With no clear sight of the ball, he was forced to play a provisional.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Suarez started the weekend with an Xfinity Series qualifying accident, which forced him to use Nascar’s new international provisional.
—Joseph Wolkin, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for provisional
Cite this Entry
“Provisional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provisional. Accessed 3 Nov. 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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