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Definition of temporary

temporary

/ˈtɛm.pəˌɹɛr.i/
tem · po · rar · y
Adverb:temporarily
•
Plural:temporaries
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temporary Lexical Profile

temporary Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Lasting for only a limited period of time; not permanent.

Example

"The city set up a temporary shelter in the gymnasium until the storm passed."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A person employed for a limited period of time, especially an office worker hired to fill in for an absent employee or to assist with a seasonal workload.

Example

"The accounting department hired two temporaries to help process tax returns during the spring rush."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for temporary

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'temporary' (lasting for a limited time) with 'temporal' (relating to worldly or secular affairs, or to time as a physical dimension).

• Rhymes for temporary

• Nearby Words

temporally
temporarily
temporariness
temporary
tempt
temptation
tempter

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin temporarius ('lasting only for a time, seasonal'), derived from tempus ('time, season').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Temporary. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/temporary
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