momentary

adjective

mo·​men·​tary ˈmō-mən-ˌter-ē 

1

a

: continuing only a moment : fleeting

a momentarypause

b

: having a very brief life

2

: operative or recurring at every moment

momentariness noun

Synonyms of momentary

• flash
• brief
• temporary
• transient
• passing
• fleeting

Choose the Right Synonym for momentary

transient, transitory, ephemeral, momentary, fugitive, fleeting, evanescent mean lasting or staying only a short time.

transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

transitory applies to what is by its nature or essence bound to change, pass, or come to an end.

fame in the movies is transitory

ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration.

many slang words are ephemeral

momentary suggests coming and going quickly and therefore being merely a brief interruption of a more enduring state.

my feelings of guilt were only momentary

fugitive and fleeting imply passing so quickly as to make apprehending difficult.

let a fugitive smile flit across his face

fleeting moments of joy

evanescent suggests a quick vanishing and an airy or fragile quality.

the story has an evanescent touch of whimsy that is lost in translation

Examples of momentary in a Sentence

He experienced a momentary loss of consciousness.

the pain of the flu shot was only momentary

Recent Examples on the Web

Over 29 days, WHM practitioners showed greater momentary improvements in energy, mental clarity and stress handling than a mindfulness meditation group. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026

Even a brief dip in mortgage rates to below 6% failed to bring buyers off the sidelines, as January existing home sales cratered despite the momentary rate relief. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 May 2026

The momentary disbelief at how the ball diverted off Luke Shaw and Brennan Johnson and into the net. —Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 25 May 2026

Snacking can be a mindless affair, like munching on a bag of crispy, salty chips while streaming a favorite series or devouring chocolate chip cookies on the run—treats that appease momentary cravings but leave you wanting more. —Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 23 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for momentary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

momentary

adjective

mo·​men·​tary ˈmō-mən-ˌter-ē 

: lasting only a moment