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

One curious aspect of United’s resurgence under Carrick over the past three months is just how fleeting and ephemeral this happy moment in the club’s recent history could be because of the question marks that hang over several of its key protagonists. —Mark Critchley, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026

Georgia also has a tradition of small-batch, noncommercial production that fits with an ephemeral product like the wine, which effectively goes extinct by the end of the season. —Alison Herman, Variety, 11 Mar. 2026

By Melissa Clark The New York Times With so little seasonal produce to work with in late winter, the sunshine hues of ephemeral citrus like bergamots, kumquats and Seville oranges can inspire a particular joy. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026

Each winter, a selection of international artisans have free reign to carve their designs into ephemeral Art Suites, whose elaborate beds—topped with plump mattresses, reindeer hides, and sleeping bags—are truly beyond imagination. —Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026

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