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noun

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of fugitive are ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, momentary, transient, and transitory. While all these words mean "lasting or staying only a short time," 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 is ephemeral a more appropriate choice than fugitive?

The meanings of ephemeral and fugitive largely overlap; however, ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration.

many slang words are ephemeral

When is it sensible to use evanescent instead of fugitive?

In some situations, the words evanescent and fugitive are roughly equivalent. However, evanescent suggests a quick vanishing and an airy or fragile quality.

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

When can momentary be used instead of fugitive?

While in some cases nearly identical to fugitive, 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

Where would transient be a reasonable alternative to fugitive?

The words transient and fugitive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

In what contexts can transitory take the place of fugitive?

The words transitory and fugitive can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of fugitive
Adjective
McDermott and Josh Hopkins, who plays a lawman on the tail of the fugitive duo, talk about completing the film and honoring Hutchins' memory. Jessica Wang, EW.com, 1 May 2025 The story of this fugitive pair runs parallel with two other narratives. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
Of the 27 defendants, 21 were in custody and the other six are fugitives, Mr. Homan said at the news conference. Benjamin Weiser, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025 Turner is also a fugitive wanted in Georgia, Pennsylvania and Maryland, police said. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fugitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fugitive
Adjective
  • Europe threatens more sanctions if Russia ignores ceasefire offer Progress on ending the three-year war has seemed elusive in the months since Trump returned to the White House, and his previous claims of imminent breakthroughs have failed to come to fruition.
    SAMYA KULLAB, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • For me, as someone who spent years searching for that elusive sense of calm, often chasing fleeting trends and quick fixes, ashwagandha has offered a more grounded and sustainable sense of calm.
    Anya Meyerowitz, Glamour, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t let the lack of flash fool you — this guy is the real deal.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The German figures come a day before the scheduled release of flash inflation data for the euro area, which will be closely watched by investors for guidance on the odds of another interest rate cut from the European Central Bank.
    Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Cercle Odyssey, landing at the Los Angeles Convention Center today, is billed as the world’s first 360-degree nomadic concert series.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
  • Jillette, who's performed as half of the legendary magic act Penn & Teller since 1975, had been telling stories of his own time as a nomadic juggler and Renaissance Fair performer for years.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • And then this person, this superhuman, this alien has come along who all those things come naturally to in many ways.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 15 May 2025
  • Zuniga-Luna and Rodriguez-Leyva were arrested Monday on charges of bringing in aliens resulting in death and bringing in aliens for financial gain, the U.S. attorney's office said.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • Fears of a slide back towards authoritarian rule were hardened by a temporary constitution focusing power in his hands.
    Tom Perry, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Transient ischemic stroke is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain that can mimic a stroke, causing symptoms like numbness, weakness, or confusion that can last anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • The March, and the Madrid Accords agreement between Spain, Morocco and Mauretania that followed, signified regime change and the forceful displacement of majority of Sahrawis, many of whom now live in refugee camps in Algeria.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025
  • Former Afghan football captain Khalida Popal speaks out on her country's fall to the Taliban 05:08 FIFA creates pathway to Afghan women’s refugee team FIFA also announced its strategy for action regarding women’s soccer in Afghanistan, which envisions the creation of an Afghan women’s refugee team.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The premise established in Season 1 has Charlie fleeing from the mob, which is another reason for her transient life on the road.
    Nina Metz Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 8 May 2025
  • The hotel room fees known as transient occupancy tax or TOT, are anticipated to climb about 2.7% to $17 million.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • Based on specs and my brief time with the phone, this is the biggest drawback.
    Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 13 May 2025
  • Even a brief moment of genuine connection, such as listening without judgment or offering warmth and presence, can encourage a survivor to finally speak.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fugitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fugitive. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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