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 Holland will take a momentary break from production on Brand New Day as a precaution, and is set to return to filming in a few days. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Sep. 2025 And while the entire nation experiences spectacular sunsets thanks to its varied landscapes and wide ocean views, few spots are as perfect for a momentary pause to watch the sun go down as in Lisbon. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2025 Zero computer intervention is fun, without a doubt, but also a little nerve-racking when small drifts of gravel dot the road and undulations in the asphalt can cause momentary losses in traction. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 Images shared by the USGS and the National Weather Service in Portland showed plumes of ash drifting downwind, fueling momentary panic for anyone watching the skies. Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for momentary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for momentary
Adjective
  • What To Know A map shared by the NWS on Facebook showed a broad corridor of flash-flood risk spanning the Western states and Southern Plains.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025
  • The emerging miners, exposed directly to the flash during its first split second, were covered in flash-absorbing black.
    Charles Pellegrino, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The brief Bagley lead was filed on behalf of Mathew Shurka, an LGBT advocate who testified in support of Colorado’s law while it was being debated.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2025
  • And in what could be even better news—for everyone other than Matthews, anyway—his reign atop the earnings ranking is likely to be brief.
    Brett Knight, Forbes.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But the building feels temporary, with United having previously discussed removing it.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The goal is to get a congress of 15, with at least eight members coming from Cincinnati's homeless shelters and seven representing people who live outdoors or in temporary housing.
    Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The recent brightening could be a transient outburst rather than a steady increase as the comet approaches to the sun, only time will tell.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • These voltage changes are known as transient faults and are the difference in measured voltage between consecutive readings.
    Chiara Eisner, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Rush is the more logical choice if the Ravens are prioritizing making plays downfield in the passing game.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
  • He's tied for the third-most passing touchdowns and is fourth in passing yards and ninth in passer rating so far this season.
    Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There was a fleeting moment after Johnson’s second touchdown — a bullet from Dart into a tight window that the second-year tight end impressively snagged — that allowed one to wonder if the Giants’ fortunes were finally changing.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Unapologetically tense with zero filter, this transit tests boundaries, forcing us to confront what is sustainable versus what is simply fleeting.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Momentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/momentary. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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