momentarily

adverb

mo·​men·​tar·​i·​ly ˌmō-mən-ˈter-ə-lē 

1

: for a moment

The rain stopped momentarily.

2

archaic : instantly

3

: at any moment : in a moment

The show will start momentarily.

Synonyms of momentarily

• shortly
• soon

Examples of momentarily in a Sentence

The wind let up momentarily, allowing us to start a campfire.

He paused momentarily before finishing his speech.

We expect them to arrive momentarily.

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the strikes usually come when the bait slows down or speeds up momentarily. —Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2026

But then Popper smiled and the arrival of opening day momentarily mellowed his gruffness. —Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026

Multitracked saxophones swarm over a pit of molten bass frequencies, slipping between sentimental consonance—you might momentarily be reminded of Vangelis’ Blade Runner score—and eerie discord. —Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 25 Mar. 2026

She may be moved to fight back not when being attacked but in the lull between violent episodes, when the abuser is momentarily disengaged. —Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for momentarily

• arbitrarily
• customarily
• militarily
• necessarily
• ordinarily
• secondarily
• temporarily
• voluntarily
• airily
• caroli
• merrily
• verily

Kids Definition

momentarily

adverb

mo·​men·​tari·​ly

ˌmō-mən-ˈter-ə-lē

1

: for a moment

the pain eased momentarily

2

archaic : instantly

3

: at any moment

we expect them momentarily