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 transformations that have decimated protest movements—undone by digitization, atomization, and the evanescence of online life—have also affected shame and its ability to mediate social norms without the intervention of the state. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2026

The evanescence of air leads us to imagine that there is something like empty space. — Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026

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

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