momentary

adjective

ˈmō-mən-ˌter-ē How to pronounce momentary (audio)
Definition of momentarynext
as in flash
lasting only for a short time the pain of the flu shot was only momentary

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 momentary Stamp reveals rare moment between Bush and Trump families The stamp unveiling appeared to be at least a momentary detente between the families that have helmed the Republican party. —James Powel, USA Today, 9 May 2025 The shift could reflect a relaxing stance toward regulating AI, offering a momentary boon for chipmakers. —Niamh Rowe, Quartz, 8 May 2025 Castillo captured their descent on film, compelled by each tile’s momentary transformation into something vivid and alive just before its demise. —Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025 That momentary pause was all Ghorman Front leader Carro Rylanz needed to kill Syril. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for momentary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for momentary
  1. flash
  2. brief
  3. temporary
  4. transient
  5. passing
  6. fleeting
Adjective
  • Don’t let the lack of flash fool you — this guy is the real deal.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The German figures come a day before the scheduled release of flash inflation data for the euro area, which will be closely watched by investors for guidance on the odds of another interest rate cut from the European Central Bank.
    — Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2024
Definition of flash
Adjective
  • The private residence was used for a brief exterior shot only in the movie.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
  • Peyton Manning Doesn't Hold Back About Aaron Rodgers Amid Steelers Rumors During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Marino revealed some brief thoughts on Rodgers and the Steelers.
    — Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Definition of brief
Adjective
  • The aerospace giant's stock performance reflects this pattern: initial volatility followed by sustained gains as markets recognize the underlying strength of the business model and the temporary nature of most trade disruptions.
    — Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • While the two countries have announced a temporary truce that rolled back disruptive three-digit tariffs for 90 days, the relationship remains tense because of ongoing feuding over chip restrictions imposed by the US and other issues.
    — Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
Definition of temporary
Adjective
  • And so happiness by nature is meant to be transient.
    — Jess Cording, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • The Pacific Northwest has long had some of the highest cremation rates in the country, in part because its residents tend to be less religious and more transient.
    — Susan Shain, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Definition of transient
Adjective
  • With each passing year, the anniversaries of key events in World War II serve as a reminder of our slow loss of a great generation of Americans.
    — Medianews Group, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025
  • Recognized this year by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People, Snoop Dogg’s legacy continues to grow with each passing year.
    — Okla Jones, Essence, 29 May 2025
Definition of passing
Adjective
  • The challenge is for those moments to not be so fleeting.
    — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
  • Among the group is a pair of Black twins, whose professor mentions Mengele’s fixation with identical siblings, which both portends fleeting dramatic moments in the rest of the film, and also steeps this post-mortem study in dramatic irony.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 May 2025
Definition of fleeting

Browse Nearby Words

momentariness
momentary
moment of truth
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Momentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/momentary. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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