adj · noun · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
/pɹəˈvɪʒənəl/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:P R AH0 V IH1 ZH AH0 N AH0 L
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adj
Meaning 1
Temporary, but with the intention of eventually becoming permanent or being replaced by a permanent equivalent.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: not-comparable
Examples
Marsden and Jones were named in the provisional squad for the European Championships, to be confirmed before the 30 June deadline.
The provisional date for the wedding is April 2, but it is subject to confirmation at the church.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
A postage stamp issued locally before an official issue is released.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: hobbies, lifestyle, philately
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: provisory
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
An interim denture.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: dentistry, medicine, sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
adjective satellite
Meaning 5
under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
probationary employees
a provisional government
just a tentative schedule
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: probationary, provisionary, tentative
Antonyms: none provided
History
Etymology
From provision + -al, or else from Middle French provisionnal (modern French provisionnel). Compare Latin prōvīsiōnālis.
Across languages
Translations
52 source translations are retained for this English entry.
