TEMPORARY Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

temporary 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtem-pə-ˌrer-ē

Definition of temporary

as in interim

intended to last, continue, or serve for a limited time summer workers looking for temporary accommodations in private homes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in flash

lasting only for a short time a temporary lapse of memory

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in provisional

serving in a position for the time being the temporary head of the sales division

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

temporary

2 of 2

noun

as in temp

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of temporary

Adjective

For now, key parts of that plan are blocked by a temporary restraining order from a federal judge in Boston. — Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026 The administration says the projects would be an improvement over temporary structures that have long been used for security, such as bicycle racks fashioned into barriers. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Noun

Following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, large areas of farmland were treated similarly, and contaminated topsoil was removed and stored in temporary as well as long-term facilities. — Eduardo B. Farfán, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 2026 California voters will have to approve the temporary in a special election in November. — Terry Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temporary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for temporary

Adjective

Harris has continued to do a lot for the Trojans, who notched their first victory under interim coach Jimmy McCormack with a 50-7 win.

— Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
April De Leon, Broad interim school program manager, is overseeing the program.

— Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of interim

Adjective

Saturday's flash-flood event occurred after four rounds of rain swept across parts of the Grand Canyon over a span of about six hours, according to the National Weather Service.

— Trevor Ault, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
Missing hiker tip line The National Park Service is asking the public to provide information about 15 missing people after a significant flash-flood event in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area.

— N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of flash

Adjective

After years of legal proceedings in the United Kingdom and Romania, the Tates were arrested in Miami by US Marshals on July 18 on provisional arrest warrants requested by Britain.

— Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Voters who have moved to another county may be required to vote in their previous county or cast a provisional ballot.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of provisional

Noun

By Sunday, Los Angeles will return to the 80s for high temps and Phoenix will cool down to its normal high temp for this time of year around 105.

— Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Using hot water will be faster, but room-temp water will dissolve within 3 minutes or so.

— Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of temp

Adjective

Quarterback Quinn Ewers also would be a short-term IR option if the team believes his injured groin isn’t healthy enough to play.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Getty Images The Atlanta Braves have employed countless players throughout their long history, from Hall of Fame stars to short-term contributors whose careers in Atlanta were measured in only a handful of appearances.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of short-term

Noun

State health authorities who have been fighting the opioid crisis for decades are still surprised by the drop, said Evan Gumas, a senior research associate at the Commonwealth Fund.

— Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026
Well, this elevated me in Wendell’s eyes from solicitous writer/actor/film associate to a person who works with his/her hands to craft furniture and other heroic implements from wood.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of associate

Adjective

Summary The 2018 Sears bankruptcy underscored retail's transient nature, a lesson Jeff Bezos and former Walmart CEO Doug McMillon also emphasize.

— Jason Goldberg, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Before his arrest, Grannell appears to have been transient, possibly living at a campground in Round Mountain, Texas.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of transient

Browse Nearby Words

temporariness

temporary

temporize

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Temporary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temporary. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of temporary

adjective

noun

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