transitionary

In the middle

Transitionary means relating to or characteristic of a transition—a passage from one state, stage, or condition to another.

The word functions as a synonym for *transitional*, though transitional is far more common in standard usage: a transitionary period, transitionary measures.

Some consider transitionary nonstandard or unnecessary given that transitional exists.

interim

temporary

Limited in duration

provisionalConditional and possibly temporary
stopgapTemporary substitute measure
tentativeUncertain and provisional

interlude · pause · interval · holding · standby · waiting · break · hiatus · gap · lull

transformation

metamorphosis

Profound biological restructuring

shiftMovement or work period
alterationAct of modifying
modificationAct of altering something

conversion · restructuring · overhaul · renewal · changeover · switch · realignment · pivot · evolution · adaptation

phase

transient

Temporary, soon departing

fleetingPassing very quickly
ephemeralLasting very briefly
momentaryLasting very briefly

passing · short-lived · impermanent · stage · period · step · juncture · chapter · milestone · threshold

Opposites

temporal permanence

transitionarypermanent

Fixed without end

enduring · lasting · perpetual · eternal · unchanging

stability/change

transitionarystable

Secure and unchanging

settled · steady · static · stationary · unchanging

definitiveness

transitionarydefinitive

Settling a question finally

final · conclusive · resolved · decided · determined

Phrases

transitional governmentTemporary authority between regimes
transitional periodTime between two stages
transitional phaseTime between two states
transitional housingTemporary supported accommodation
transitional objectAttachment substitute for children
transitional fossilSpecimen bridging ancestral groups

Family

transitional

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G