interim

1 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​im ˈin-tə-rəm How to pronounce interim (audio)
Synonyms of interim
: an intervening time : interval

interim

2 of 2

adjective

: done, made, appointed, or occurring for an interim
an interim assignment

Synonyms of interim

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Noun

Adjective

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Examples of interim in a Sentence

Noun there was a brief interim in the proceedings while everyone got organized Adjective putting up some students in local motels is obviously just an interim solution to the college's housing shortage will serve as interim head of the police department until the investigation is completed
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
In the interim, however, relations have been shaky. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 25 June 2026 In the interim, the Lou and Kiri has quietly become a worldwide favorite with pre-schoolers and their parents. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 June 2026
Adjective
The commission deferred the interim agreement vote until June, and deferred it again to Thursday. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026 Burial postponed due to war Burials are meant to be conducted within a day of death in Islam, but because of the risks of holding a big funeral during the war it was postponed until after last month's interim truce deal was agreed. — Parisa Hafezi, USA Today, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for interim

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin, adverb, meanwhile, from inter between — more at inter-

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1580, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1604, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interim was circa 1580

Phrases Containing interim

Browse Nearby Words

interhuman
interim
interim certificate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interim. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

interim

noun
in·​ter·​im
ˈin-tə-rəm
: a time intervening : interval
interim adjective

Legal Definition

interim

1 of 2 noun
in·​ter·​im ˈin-tə-rəm How to pronounce interim (audio)
: an intervening time see also ad interim

interim

2 of 2 adjective
: done, made, appointed, or occurring for an interim
an interim disposition

More from Merriam-Webster on interim

Nglish: Translation of interim for Spanish Speakers

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