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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of transient

Adjective

Yee Eun Nam’s projections inject into this transient world a welcome subtlety. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Myers hadn’t seen Fred since childhood, but the two reunited after he was exonerated, and the relationship was a rare touchpoint in Fred’s otherwise transient life. — Megan Rose, ProPublica, 9 Sep. 2026

Noun

He was later identified as a local transient, known to area law enforcement. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 26 July 2026

Swift was originally designed to study a rare type of transient called gamma-ray bursts—seconds-long flashes of gamma-ray light that arise from the most energetic explosions in the universe. — Anna Y. Q. Ho, Scientific American, 29 June 2026