MOMENTARY Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

momentary

adjective

ˈmō-mən-ˌter-ē

Definition of momentary next

as in flash

lasting only for a short time the pain of the flu shot was only momentary

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 At a time when easier access to music often means increasingly passive listening, these albums replace momentary distraction with connection and compassion. —

Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2026 Since Saturday night’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a momentary bipartisan moment of shared anxiety has quickly descended into partisan rancor. —

Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026 And while the country experiences spectacular sunsets thanks to its varied landscapes, west-facing coast, and wide ocean views, few spots are as perfect for a momentary pause to watch the sun go down as in Lisbon. —

Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026 But for my momentary surrender to the orchestra and the rhythm of the waltz, my thoughts have been elsewhere. —

Danielle Parker, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for momentary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for momentary

Adjective

The heaviest rain has shifted eastward, with the island of Molokai under a flash-flood warning on Sunday.

— Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026
Kansas City will go from springlike warmth to winter fast as a powerful storm sweeps through Sunday, bringing damaging winds, a rapid temperature plunge with flash-freeze risk, and a quick burst of snow that could cut visibility, according to the National Weather Service.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2026