transitoriness 1 of 2

as in shortness
the state or quality of lasting only for a short time given the transitoriness of inspiration, artists are inclined to work quickly whenever a new idea strikes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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

When could ephemeral be used to replace transitory?

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

many slang words are ephemeral

When is evanescent a more appropriate choice than transitory?

The meanings of evanescent and transitory largely overlap; 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 transitory?

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

When would momentary be a good substitute for transitory?

While in some cases nearly identical to transitory, 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

In what contexts can transient take the place of transitory?

While the synonyms transient and transitory are close in meaning, transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

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 transitoriness
Adjective
Others point to the fact that while the drugs are promising, their impact may be transitory. Seth Joseph, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 Lately, the concern that Trump’s tariffs could be inflationary has added another wrinkle, though Fed Chair Powell said this past Wednesday that their impact could be transitory. Kevin Stankiewicz,matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2025 Previously, the area that would become the Wyoming Territory had been a transitory place that covered wagons passed through on their way west. Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 As was the case with Boseman’s untimely death from cancer, the wildfire storm that has changed Los Angeles forever is a reminder of the transitory nature of life. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 13 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transitoriness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transitoriness
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
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
Noun
  • Fallen blossoms whisper on the damp earth, a fleeting poem of transience.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • While these two exhibits may feel distinct, for Suh, all of his work interrogates the boundaries between personal and public space, and the conditions that force transience or enable permanence.
    Megan Williams, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Just a brief walk from the preserve’s entrance, this unique grotto reveals a stunning 50-foot waterfall cascading into a jade-green pool.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
  • India is emerging after a brief conflict with Pakistan, with a ceasefire thankfully appearing to hold for now.
    Vasuki Shastry, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Whether exploring gluttony and sin (Pirates of the Caribbean), the impermanence of life (Haunted Mansion) or perseverance in hard work (Snow White’s Enchanted Wish), Disneyland finds delight in the messiness of life.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
  • The structure explores Denes’ lifelong exploration of pyramids merged with nature’s impermanence, using native plants that grow and decay over time.
    Rana Good, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And so happiness by nature is meant to be transient.
    Jess Cording, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • The Pacific Northwest has long had some of the highest cremation rates in the country, in part because its residents tend to be less religious and more transient.
    Susan Shain, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • But transiency in the back of the bullpen extends well beyond Woodward’s arrival.
    Dallas News, Dallas News, 27 July 2022
  • The council will hold a workshop outlining strategies and efforts to remedy homelessness and transiency in the city.
    Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2021
Adjective
  • But they were only meant to be fleeting. Italiano’s predecessor, Thiago Motta, left for Juventus last summer.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • Digging deeper, Centric’s intelligence interpreted that evergreen items have longer-lasting appeal than fleeting trends, thus justifying the high white tee price hike.
    Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Transitoriness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transitoriness. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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