Synonyms of transient

transient 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtran(t)-sh(ē-)ənt 

as in temporary

lasting only for a short time

had transient thoughts of quitting her job and going back to school

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

transient

2 of 2

noun

1

as in drifter

Related Words

• drifter
• vagrant
• vagabond
• hobo
• roamer
• tramp
• beggar
• bum
• derelict
• mendicant
• panhandler
• swaggie
• stiff
• swagman
• bindle stiff
• sundowner
• bummer
• waif
• dodger
• urchin
• shirker
• slacker
• malingerer
• ragamuffin
• gamine

2

as in tourist

Related Words

• tourist
• traveler
• visitor
• sightseer
• excursionist
• tripper
• rubbernecker
• rubberneck
• guest
• vacationer
• vacationist
• pilgrim
• holidaymaker
• hosteler
• wayfarer
• snowbird
• journeyer
• holidayer
• sunseeker

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of transient are ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, fugitive, momentary, and transitory. While all these words mean "lasting or staying only a short time," transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

When could ephemeral be used to replace transient?

The synonyms ephemeral and transient are sometimes interchangeable, but ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration.

many slang words are ephemeral

Where would evanescent be a reasonable alternative to transient?

In some situations, the words evanescent and transient 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 do fugitive and fleeting relate to one another, in the sense of transient?

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

In what contexts can momentary take the place of transient?

The words momentary and transient are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 transitory be a better fit than transient?

The words transitory and transient 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

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

Some common synonyms of transient are ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, fugitive, momentary, and transitory. While all these words mean "lasting or staying only a short time," transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

When could ephemeral be used to replace transient?

The synonyms ephemeral and transient are sometimes interchangeable, but ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration.

many slang words are ephemeral

Where would evanescent be a reasonable alternative to transient?

In some situations, the words evanescent and transient 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 do fugitive and fleeting relate to one another, in the sense of transient?

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

In what contexts can momentary take the place of transient?

The words momentary and transient are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 transitory be a better fit than transient?

The words transitory and transient 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

Recent Examples of transient

Adjective

Carla’s childhood reads like a transient fairytale. —Jennifer Cannon, Vanity Fair, 7 Apr. 2026

Some honor the transient nature of spring – like the student shows celebrating 2026 graduates crossing the finish line. —Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026

Noun

Admissions marked as transient made up nearly 50% of the county jail bookings at the end of 2025. —Nicole Santa Cruz, ProPublica, 4 Mar. 2026

According to the report, officers responded to a dispatch call describing Petit as a transient carrying a gun and lighting trash on fire in a residential neighborhood. —Andrea Klick, Daily News, 27 Feb. 2026