momentarily

adverb

mo·men·tar·i·ly | \ ˌmō-mən-ˈter-ə-lē

How to pronounce momentarily (audio)

\

Definition of momentarily

1 : for a moment

2 archaic : instantly

3 : at any moment : in a moment

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about momentarily

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of momentarily in a Sentence

The wind let up momentarily, allowing us to start a campfire. He paused momentarily before finishing his speech. We expect them to arrive momentarily.

Recent Examples on the Web Rodgers initially appeared stunned before momentarily looking down with a smile plastered on his face. — NBC News, "'Jeopardy!' contestant trolls guest host Aaron Rodgers about NFC Championship loss," 6 Apr. 2021 Their car stopped momentarily so Tessier-Lavigne could hold the trophy and pose for photos with VanDerveer and Paye. — Ron Kroichick, San Francisco Chronicle, "Stanford parades around campus to celebrate women's basketball title," 5 Apr. 2021 The cornerstone’s exact location is now unknown; during the insurrection, the symbolic cornerstone of American democracy — the peaceful transfer of power — was also momentarily lost. — Washington Post, "Hiking along Virginia’s Aquia Creek and finding history a stone’s throw from home," 2 Apr. 2021 After making 11 of their first 15 shots, the Jazz apparently bored of playing with their food and momentarily let the Nets creep back within a dozen points early in the second quarter. — Eric Walden, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Utah Jazz return home, work out some kinks in annihilation of short-handed Brooklyn Nets," 24 Mar. 2021 The spray irritates the bear's eyes, throat and nasal passageway, momentarily disabling it but causing no lasting effects. — NBC News, "Unbearable pain: How bear spray became a prized weapon for violent protesters," 20 Mar. 2021 An ugly start to the second half only energized the small pocket of fan from the New Rochelle, N.Y. school as Alabama struggled, at least momentarily, with the pressure of the moment. — Michael Casagrande | Mcasagrande@al.com, al, "Alabama survives Iona, avoids first-round NCAA stunner," 20 Mar. 2021 Soon after — and this will be discussed in more detail momentarily — Rebecca decides to leave the loft without discussing her departure with any of the other roommates. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, "The Real World Homecoming," 19 Mar. 2021 Royer said she and Deeter, momentarily at a loss for what to do, decided to dial back the pressure on the moose. — Marc Lester, Anchorage Daily News, "Iditarod teams had to hoof it past bison, horses and moose this year," 18 Mar. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'momentarily.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about momentarily

Dictionary Entries near momentarily

moment by moment

Statistics for momentarily

Last Updated

9 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Momentarily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/momentarily. Accessed 10 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for momentarily

momentarily

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of momentarily

: for a short time : for a moment

US : very soon : at any moment

See the full definition for momentarily in the English Language Learners Dictionary

Keep scrolling for more

Comments on momentarily

What made you want to look up momentarily? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

fatuous

Listen to the pronunciation of fatuous

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

The Exceptions Quiz III

Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ