Synonyms of momentary

momentary

adjective

ˈmō-mən-ˌter-ē 

as in flash

lasting only for a short time

the pain of the flu shot was only momentary

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flash
• brief
• temporary
• transient
• passing
• fleeting
• transitory
• ephemeral
• evanescent
• short
• little
• short-lived
• deciduous
• fugacious
• fugitive
• impermanent
• short-term
• acting
• interim
• provisional
• shortish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permanent
• lasting
• eternal
• perpetual
• enduring
• unending
• everlasting
• endless
• immortal
• ceaseless
• undying
• lifelong
• timeless
• deathless
• persistent
• durable
• continuing
• long-lived
• dateless
• indestructible
• imperishable
• indefectible

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

Recent Examples of momentary

The conditions were fine — just sort of a momentary one-in-a-million accident. —David Chiu, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025

The reports came on the heels of a momentary Centers for Disease Control and Prevention release of a table showing that an adolescent had potentially been infected with the virus by a pet cat. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2025

Federal prosecutors maintained that Mizuhara repeatedly stole from Ohtani over a multiyear period, and thus his misconduct was not a one-time offense or a momentary lapse in judgment. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Feb. 2025

In this poetic testament to the power of place in our lives, Mayes reflects on the idea of home, from the earliest imprint of four walls to the startling discoveries of feeling the strange ease of homes abroad, friends’ homes and even momentary homes that spark desires for other lives. —Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025