provisional

1 of 2

adjective

pro·​vi·​sion·​al prə-ˈvizh-nəl How to pronounce provisional (audio)
-ˈvi-zhə-nᵊl
: serving for the time being : temporary
a provisional government
provisionally adverb

provisional

2 of 2

noun

: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
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
Noun
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 Instead, the board of elections will determine which outstanding provisional and absentee ballots are valid at the Sept. 27 board meeting, Perlatti said. cleveland, 13 Sep. 2021 See all Example Sentences for provisional 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1601, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of provisional was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near provisional

Cite this Entry

“Provisional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provisional. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

provisional

adjective
pro·​vi·​sion·​al
prə-ˈvizh-nəl,
-ən-ᵊl
: serving for the time being
a provisional government
provisional arrangements
provisionally
adverb

Legal Definition

provisional

adjective
pro·​vi·​sion·​al prə-ˈvi-zhə-nəl How to pronounce provisional (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on provisional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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