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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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 transitory Hedonic happiness, which is tied to experiencing pleasurable emotions and sensations, is transitory and ultimately elusive, says Hood. —

Sara Harrison, WIRED, 24 Mar. 2022 At least for now, inflation does indeed seem transitory. —

Sebastian Mallaby, Foreign Affairs, 30 June 2021 The list of potential side effects is long, though most are minor and transitory. —

Emma Whitford, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 Obviously, inflation wasn’t transitory, and the all-items CPI reading is up 18.8% since then. —

Jeff Cox, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for transitory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transitory

Adjective

But work and organization scholar Philip Hancock offers a different angle on the familiar image of the Santa Claus-for-hire: that of a worker in a temporary seasonal service job.

Laura Clawson, JSTOR Daily, 15 Dec. 2024
This led to her parents holding a conservatorship over her, one which began as temporary then turned into long-term ordeal.

Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024