Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for probationary.
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

They only came out of a two-year probationary period this summer.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

Alvarado was placed on administrative leave after Ramirez reported him but has since completed his probationary period and been elevated to the rank of Police Officer II.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 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

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

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!