Synonym Chooser

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

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

When might ephemeral be a better fit than momentary?

Although the words ephemeral and momentary have much in common, ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration.

many slang words are ephemeral

When would evanescent be a good substitute for momentary?

In some situations, the words evanescent and momentary 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

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

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

Where would transient be a reasonable alternative to momentary?

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

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

When is transitory a more appropriate choice than momentary?

The words transitory and momentary 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 momentary However, those momentary lapses, even for just a few possessions, cannot happen in their first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, a fact Rivers knows well. Eric Nehm, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 Each self-deprecating joke gained momentary acceptance from white classmates who wanted permission to laugh at my difference without feeling guilty. Philippa Pham Hughes, Time, 10 Apr. 2025 Sarah’s demise happens early on in the film, but her presence is still peppered throughout via flashbacks, momentary flashes mid-scene and photographic reminders. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2025 What more can brands like adidas do to move from momentary gestures to systemic impact? Stephanie Tharpe, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for momentary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for momentary
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
  • Megan Fox auditioned for the role of Karen as well, but her involvement in the casting process was reportedly brief.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • At various times in its long history, the region has either been coveted, conquered or controlled by the Greeks, the Roman Byzantines, the Genoese, the Mongols, Ottomans, Russians, Ukrainians, and even by the Germans for a brief period during World War II.
    Scott Neuman, NPR, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The judge had previously issued a temporary restraining order blocking enforcement of key provisions of Trump's directive.
    Mike Scarcella and David Thomas, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • In March, Howell issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from implementing key parts of the executive order.
    Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • The acceptance of life’s transient nature is crucial for psychological well-being.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Read Next: Cougar Kittens Confirmed in Michigan for the First Time in a Century Wildlife experts believe that the lions seen in Oklahoma are mostly transient animals rather than full-time Sooner residents.
    Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Thuram is making a complementary run behind the defence to provide another passing option, which forces Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez to drop and be away from the ball.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • Palace themselves have been direct at times and, according to Opta, have the second-shortest passing sequence time in the Premier League at 7.89 seconds on average, just behind Nottingham Forest’s 7.48 seconds.
    James Nalton, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Similar to seeing a favorite artist’s concert or your beloved sports team live, Grossman says that attending a rodeo is special due to the fleeting nature of the event—and because of the remarkable athletes.
    Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
  • For a fleeting moment, Cargioli thought the advocates might have made a mistake; her new client appeared to be in the U.S.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Momentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/momentary. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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