FLEETING Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'fleeting' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of fleeting are ephemeral , evanescent , fugitive , momentary , transient , and transitory . While all these words mean "lasting or staying only a short time," fugitive and fleeting imply passing so quickly as to make apprehending difficult. // let a fugitive smile flit across his face // fleeting moments of joy

Q: In what contexts can 'ephemeral' take the place of 'fleeting'?

The words ephemeral and fleeting are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration. // many slang words are ephemeral

Q: Where would 'evanescent' be a reasonable alternative to 'fleeting'?

While the synonyms evanescent and fleeting are close in meaning, evanescent suggests a quick vanishing and an airy or fragile quality. // the story has an evanescent touch of whimsy that is lost in translation

Q: When is it sensible to use 'momentary' instead of 'fleeting'?

The synonyms momentary and fleeting are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Q: When might 'transient' be a better fit than 'fleeting'?

The meanings of transient and fleeting largely overlap; however, transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay. // a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

Q: When is 'transitory' a more appropriate choice than 'fleeting'?

The words transitory and fleeting 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

fleeting

adjective

ˈflē-tiŋ

Definition of fleeting next

as in flash

lasting only for a short time had a fleeting desire to jump into the cool lake but kept on hiking

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

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

The words ephemeral and fleeting are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration.

many slang words are ephemeral

Where would evanescent be a reasonable alternative to fleeting?

While the synonyms evanescent and fleeting are close in meaning, evanescent suggests a quick vanishing and an airy or fragile quality.

the story has an evanescent touch of whimsy that is lost in translation

When is it sensible to use momentary instead of fleeting?

The synonyms momentary and fleeting are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 transient be a better fit than fleeting?

The meanings of transient and fleeting largely overlap; however, 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 fleeting?

The words transitory and fleeting 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 fleeting Psychologists agree that emotions are fleeting. —

Dan Turello, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026 For the grab-and-goers, the hotel serves Joe Coffee in the day and has a Food Hall serving NYC staples like Feltman’s hot dogs and Mister Softee ice cream, so even the most fleeting of passerbys can do as the locals do. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Jan. 2026 Whether revisiting legendary careers or examining the fleeting intensity of modern pop, these films offer music lovers a chance to experience the stories behind the sound. —

Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026 But for one ostensibly fleeting night, the Knicks played Knicks basketball again. —

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fleeting

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fleeting

Adjective

To hear top analyst Tom Lee, of Fundstrat, describe the situation, farming never recovered from the invention of flash-frozen foods in the 1920s.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026
Campaign ads, showing images of flash-mob robberies, promised voters that harsher penalties would put an end to basic items being locked away in display cases and funnel people repeatedly arrested for drug offenses in treatment.

— Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025

Definition of flash

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“Fleeting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fleeting. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 31 Jan 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of fleeting

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