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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 Neither do the momentary passions (hello, Ukraine) that might forever bind the narrative to the present decade. Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 The music is high-energy melodic metal, the art pops off the screen, and the challenge is largely the same: balancing momentary threats against the need to prepare for future baddies. Ars Technica, 26 Feb. 2025 Ultimately, a crying baby is simply a momentary distraction during a day filled with celebration, and probably not a huge deal in the end. Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 18 Feb. 2025 Whether from a momentary injury that knocks the wind out of you, swimming underwater for too long or recovering after sprinting at full speed, anyone who has struggled to fill their lungs with oxygen knows how scary the feeling can be. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 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
  • There was a brief moment when Russell managed to get amongst them after the first round of stops, only for Norris to quickly gain the place back a couple of laps later.
    Luke Smith, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • While attempting to solve the case, the duo must learn how to partner despite Park’s never-ending skepticism of Cupp’s methods and Cupp’s commitment to stay true to herself, even if that means having brief intermissions for birding.
    Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Most are on temporary administrative leave as their fate winds its way through federal courts.
    Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Even a temporary shift in financial responsibility can provide valuable insights and lead to a greater understanding of how money impacts shared goals.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Statistics on homelessness are fluid because the population is transient and tends to distrust outreach workers.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025
  • And even if that’s the case, our fantasies can be transient.
    Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Critically, Villa’s left-back must show composure in possession during their build-up, where he is expected to stay deep, receive under pressure and provide a passing option, as shown here against Arsenal in January.
    Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Denver’s defense, led by Surtain II, ranked third in scoring defense while Nix turned in one of the best rookie seasons by a quarterback in NFL history by finishing with the most passing touchdowns, touchdowns, completions and passing yards of any rookie quarterback.
    DJ Siddiqi, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Trust isn’t built by flash—it’s formed in those quick, fleeting moments when a brand chooses to engage.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • But for the most part these moments are fleeting, embarrassing; the characters try to connect with these figures of Firestone’s former world, and fail.
    Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Momentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/momentary. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on momentary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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