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

Examples 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

In their research the authors have repeatedly seen that in volatile environments, firms anchoring their strategies in a few enduring factors, rather than many transient ones, are more likely to achieve sustainable growth. —

Jianwen Liao feng Zhu, Harvard Business Review, 14 Oct. 2024 That said, management was quick to note that these issues are transient and a matter of timing, not demand. —

Zev Fima, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024

Noun

Relying on a transient, underpaid workforce makes science worse For the most part, the principal investigators applying for grants aren’t doing science — their graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are. —

Celia Ford, Vox, 12 Sep. 2024 Shawn Laval Smith, a 34-year-old transient with a lengthy criminal record, was found guilty of murder with the special circumstances of lying in wait, as well as committing the crime with a deadly weapon, a knife. —

Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for transient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transient

Adjective

Keep in mind that each inquiry may slightly impact your credit score, but the benefit of securing better loan terms can outweigh this temporary dip.

True Tamplin, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Alternatively, try a mask with clay or charcoal as a temporary fix, says Dr. Yang.

Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024