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provision

13 synonyms for provision, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A supply of something needed for the future, especially food.

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. noun

A supply of something needed for the future, especially food.

“The ship was stocked with enough provisions for a six-month voyage.”

2. verb

To supply someone or something with what is needed, especially food or equipment.

“The expedition was provisioned with dried food and extra fuel.”

purvey

How to use provision

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

make provision for a provision in the contract provision an account

Etymology

From Old French provision, from Latin provisio, "foresight, preparation" — from providere, "to see ahead, provide for."

Full origin of provision →

Frequently asked questions

What does “provision” mean?
The word “provision” means a supply of something needed for the future, especially food. In plain terms, supplies set aside for future use, a clause in a legal document, or (in tech/finance) preparing accounts, systems, or accounts for use.
How do you pronounce “provision”?
“Provision” is pronounced pruh-VIHZH-uhn (/pɹəˈvɪʒ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “provision” in a sentence?
Here is “provision” used in a sentence: “The ship was stocked with enough provisions for a six-month voyage.”
What is another word for “provision”?
Words with a similar meaning to “provision” include supply and victual.
What part of speech is “provision”?
Depending on how it is used, “provision” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “provision” come from?
The word “provision” comes from Latin. From Old French provision, from Latin provisio, "foresight, preparation" — from providere, "to see ahead, provide for.".
Is “provision” a common word?
“Provision” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “provision” have?
“Provision” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a supply of something needed for the future, especially food.
What is the difference between a provision and a clause in a contract?
A provision is a specific condition or requirement within a law, contract, or agreement, focusing on what the parties must do. A clause is a distinct section of the document that contains such a provision, so a clause can hold one or more provisions.
What is the difference between provision and provisions?
In the singular, a provision most often means a specific condition within a law, contract, or agreement. In the plural, provisions usually means supplies of things needed for the future, especially food, so the plural often shifts the meaning.
What is the difference between a provision and a condition?
Both appear in legal and contractual language, but a provision is any specific clause or requirement stated in the agreement. A condition is a particular type of provision that something else depends on, meaning a stated outcome only applies if the condition is met.

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Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.