TRANSIENT Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of transient are ephemeral , evanescent , fleeting , fugitive , momentary , and transitory . While all these words mean "lasting or staying only a short time," transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay. // a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

Q: When could 'ephemeral' be used to replace 'transient'?

The synonyms ephemeral and transient are sometimes interchangeable, but ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration. // many slang words are ephemeral

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

In some situations, the words evanescent and transient 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 do 'fugitive' and 'fleeting' relate to one another, in the sense of 'transient'?

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: In what contexts can 'momentary' take the place of 'transient'?

The words momentary and transient are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 'transitory' be a better fit than 'transient'?

The words transitory and transient 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

transient 1 of 2

adjective

ˈtran(t)-sh(ē-)ənt

Definition of transient next

as in temporary

lasting only for a short time had transient thoughts of quitting her job and going back to school

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

transient

2 of 2

noun

as in drifter

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in traveller

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of transient are ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, fugitive, momentary, and transitory. While all these words mean "lasting or staying only a short time," transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

When could ephemeral be used to replace transient?

The synonyms ephemeral and transient are sometimes interchangeable, but ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration.

many slang words are ephemeral

Where would evanescent be a reasonable alternative to transient?

In some situations, the words evanescent and transient 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 do fugitive and fleeting relate to one another, in the sense of transient?

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

In what contexts can momentary take the place of transient?

The words momentary and transient are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 transitory be a better fit than transient?

The words transitory and transient 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 transient

Adjective

Built around a large neodymium iron boron magnet, the 40mm diameter drivers have a wide dynamic range and nimble transient response. —

Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 His long-exposure images are meditations on how moments flow and blur together, turning transient beauty into something lasting. —

Sara Smith, Variety, 16 Dec. 2024

Noun

His mother, known as Miss Lillian, had more liberal views — she was known for her charity work and for taking in transients and treating Black residents with kindness. —

Scott Kraft, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024 Will the Olympics be a bonanza for residents still doing Airbnb, including passing on the city’s 14% transient occupancy tax? —

Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for transient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transient

Adjective

One person told us about her frantic search for temporary housing when her family of four was evacuated from the fire zone.

— Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
But temporary residents, people who come in here, whether legally or illegally, and don’t plan to stay, their children shouldn’t become American citizens.

— Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Jan. 2025