Synonyms of ephemeral

ephemeral

adjective

i-ˈfe-mə-rəl 

as in flash

lasting only for a short time

the autumnal blaze of colors is always to be treasured, all the more so because it is so ephemeral

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flash
• temporary
• brief
• transient
• fleeting
• passing
• transitory
• evanescent
• momentary
• deciduous
• short
• short-lived
• impermanent
• little
• fugacious
• fugitive
• short-term
• provisional
• acting
• interim
• shortish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permanent
• eternal
• lasting
• enduring
• everlasting
• endless
• immortal
• timeless
• perpetual
• unending
• deathless
• undying
• ceaseless
• persistent
• lifelong
• durable
• long-lived
• dateless
• indestructible
• continuing
• imperishable
• indefectible

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ephemeral different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of ephemeral are evanescent, fleeting, fugitive, momentary, transient, and transitory. While all these words mean "lasting or staying only a short time," ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration.

many slang words are ephemeral

When would evanescent be a good substitute for ephemeral?

The words evanescent and ephemeral are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, evanescent suggests a quick vanishing and an airy or fragile quality.

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

How are the words fugitive and fleeting related as synonyms of ephemeral?

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

let a fugitive smile flit across his face

fleeting moments of joy

When could momentary be used to replace ephemeral?

The words momentary and ephemeral can be used in similar contexts, but 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

In what contexts can transient take the place of ephemeral?

The synonyms transient and ephemeral are sometimes interchangeable, but transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

When can transitory be used instead of ephemeral?

In some situations, the words transitory and ephemeral are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ephemeral

Attorneys for the plaintiffs say such distinctions are ephemeral, pointing out that YouTube has by far the youngest group of users, many of whom say the platform was an on-ramp to the world of social media. —Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026

Mary Eder-McClure, executive pastry chef at both restaurants, has established Cafe Yaya as an ephemeral bakery destination since opening last March with her extraordinary range of sweet and savory work available throughout the day and night. —Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026

The ephemeral present includes, of course, a writer’s reputation. —Hermione Hoby, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026

Pop-ups are ephemeral, sometimes transforming into permanent establishments, while others exist for only a brief moment. —Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 17 Jan. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!