English · Word Candidate

provisional

/pɹəˈvɪʒənəl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: provisionals

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Temporary, but with the intention of eventually becoming permanent or being replaced by a permanent equivalent.

Adjective

Examples

Marsden and Jones were named in the provisional squad for the European Championships, to be confirmed before the 30 June deadline.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A postage stamp issued locally before an official issue is released.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

An interim denture.

Noun

Examples

If this was not possible, then alternatives including provisionalizing with a complete denture or a tooth-supported fixed provisional and a staged treatment protocol should have been considered.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “provisional” mean?

Temporary, but with the intention of eventually becoming permanent or being replaced by a permanent equivalent.

Is “provisional” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.