Protem is an unincorporated community in southeastern Taney County, Missouri, United States. It is located on Route 125, and is approximately two miles north of the Missouri-Arkansas state line. Protem is part of the Branson, Missouri Micropolitan Statistical Area.

A post office called Protem has been in operation since 1875. The name comes from pro tem (Latin for "temporary"), because first settlers could not settle on a name and a temporary one (which became permanent) was needed.

36°31′44″N 92°51′32″W/36.52889°N 92.85889°W/ 36.52889; -92.85889