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Definitions

probationary

[proh-bey-shuh-ner-ee] / proʊˈbeɪ ʃəˌnɛr i /
ADJECTIVE
experimental
Synonyms
STRONGEST
empirical preliminary unproved
WEAK
beginning developmental experiential first stage laboratory momentary on approval pilot preparatory primary provisional speculative temporary tentative test trial trial-and-error unconcluded under probation
Antonyms
WEAK
proven tested tried
ADJECTIVE
tentative
Synonyms
STRONGEST
unsettled
WEAK
acting ad interim conjectural contingent dependent iffy indefinite makeshift not final not settled on trial open for consideration provisional provisionary provisory speculative subject to change temporary test trial unconfirmed undecided
Antonyms
WEAK
certain conclusive decisive definite final sure
ADJECTIVE
trial
Synonyms
STRONGEST
exploratory preliminary
STRONG
balloon pilot test testing
WEAK
provisional tentative
Antonyms
WEAK
definite known proven

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Joslin had about four weeks left in a two-year probationary period.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Article 27 says Fifa can "fully or partially suspend" a disciplinary measure for "a probationary period of one to four years".

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2025

Though he had been in the civil service for more than two years, a recent promotion designated him as a probationary worker—a category of staff among the first targeted for layoffs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 4, 2025

People can apply to an immigration judgeship and after a probationary period, the attorney general goes on to appoint them—but it’s not a lifetime appointment.

From Slate • Jul. 23, 2025

During Cooksey’s East Coast tour, physics professor Robley Evans of MIT suggested that his university viewed its cyclotron project, then just getting under way with Stan Livingston in charge, as a sort of probationary test.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Vocabulary lists containing probationary

-ary

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