interim
8 synonyms and 2 antonyms for interim, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Temporary or provisional, filling a gap until something permanent is arranged.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Temporary or provisional, filling a gap until something permanent is arranged.
“An interim manager will run the shop until a new one is hired.”
Opposites
How to use interim
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
interim CEO
in the interim
interim measures
Etymology
Borrowed directly from Latin interim, meaning "meanwhile."
Full origin of interim →Frequently asked questions
What does “interim” mean?
The word “interim” means temporary or provisional, filling a gap until something permanent is arranged. In plain terms, something temporary that bridges the gap until a permanent solution is in place.
How do you pronounce “interim”?
“Interim” is pronounced IHN-tuh-rihm (/ˈɪntəɹɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “interim” in a sentence?
Here is “interim” used in a sentence: “She was named interim CEO while the board searched for a permanent replacement.”
What part of speech is “interim”?
Depending on how it is used, “interim” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “interim” come from?
The word “interim” comes from Latin. Borrowed directly from Latin interim, meaning "meanwhile.".
Is “interim” a common word?
“Interim” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “interim” have?
“Interim” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: temporary or provisional, filling a gap until something permanent is arranged.
What is the difference between interim and temporary?
Both describe things that are not permanent, but interim specifically means filling a gap until something permanent is arranged, so it points forward to a planned replacement. Temporary simply means lasting for a limited time, with no implication that anything permanent will follow. An interim report is issued while the final one is prepared; a temporary road closure just ends.
What is an interim manager or interim CEO?
An interim manager or interim CEO is someone appointed to hold a position on a provisional basis until a permanent appointment is made. The role is understood from the outset to be a stopgap, often used while an organization searches for a long-term hire or works through a transition.
What is the difference between interim and acting in job titles?
Both signal a temporary occupant of a role, but the emphasis differs. Acting usually implies covering the duties of a post while the regular holder is absent or until the situation is resolved, whereas interim implies bridging the gap before a permanent successor is appointed. In practice many organizations use the two labels interchangeably.
