evanescence

noun

ev·​a·​nes·​cence ˌe-və-ˈne-sᵊn(t)s 

1

: the process or fact of evanescing

2

: evanescent quality

Synonyms of evanescence

• shortness
• transience
• temporariness
• impermanence
• ephemerality
• transitoriness
• fleetingness
• transiency
• impermanency

Examples of evanescence in a Sentence

the evanescence of a rainbow detracts not a whit from its beauty

Recent Examples on the Web

The filmmaker rarely lingers, making brief moments of grace — like Gabrielle peeking in at her mom and stepdad taking a nap — all the more resonant for their evanescence. — Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026

To explain why a gag is funny is to crush its soufflé evanescence. — Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 19 Mar. 2025

The Stranger with its exploration of another facet of exile and belonging, this time set on a flood-prone German island that exists in a perpetual struggle between evanescence and permanence. — Jay D. Weissberg, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2025

How will societies grapple with the evanescence of human decision-making and the disintermediation of other vocational activities? — Douglas B. Laney, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for evanescence

• acquiescence
• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• incandescence
• inflorescence
• iridescence
• luminescence
• obsolescence
• opalescence

Kids Definition

evanescence

noun

ev·​a·​nes·​cence ˌev-ə-ˈnes-ᵊn(t)s 

: evanescent quality