TRANSITORY Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

transitory

adjective

ˈtran(t)-sə-ˌtȯr-ē

Definition of transitory next

as in temporary

lasting only for a short time a transitory panic struck me when I realized that I had left my wallet in the car

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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 transitory The data indicate consumers view the recent energy price surge as transitory, with overall inflation expectations remaining contained. —

Nancy Cook, Bloomberg, 7 Apr. 2026 Assuming the conflict is resolved over the coming weeks, the spike in oil will likely prove transitory, with Brent trading back down to the forward curve strip price of around $65, according to Chris Senyek at Wolfe Research. —

Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026 Mortality threatens to render the achievements of our life as transitory, and this threat is removed by procreation. —

Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026 But just like a gardener would never declare their perennials dead just because January looks bleak, good investor behavior recognizes that winter is always transitory. —

Steve Booren, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transitory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transitory

Adjective

Grgich immigrated to the US in 1958 — after first escaping to West Germany on a temporary visa — as these innovations spread.

— Mark Dent, HubSpot, 15 May 2026
To be sure, after unveiling its first Milan flagship in the elegant residential area of Via Mameli in 2024 and setting up a series of itinerant temporary stores across Italy, last year Collanine Colorate stepped abroad to test international markets via pop-ups in Madrid, Lisbon and Paris.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 15 May 2026

Definition of temporary

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transitoriness

transitory

transits

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“Transitory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transitory. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of transitory

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