Synonyms of ephemeral

ephemeral

adjective

i-ˈfe-mə-rəl 

as in flash

lasting only for a short time

the autumnal blaze of colors is always to be treasured, all the more so because it is so ephemeral

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flash
• temporary
• brief
• transient
• fleeting
• passing
• transitory
• evanescent
• momentary
• deciduous
• short
• short-lived
• impermanent
• little
• fugacious
• fugitive
• short-term
• provisional
• acting
• interim
• shortish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permanent
• eternal
• lasting
• enduring
• everlasting
• endless
• immortal
• timeless
• perpetual
• unending
• deathless
• undying
• ceaseless
• persistent
• lifelong
• durable
• long-lived
• dateless
• indestructible
• continuing
• imperishable
• indefectible

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of ephemeral are evanescent, fleeting, fugitive, momentary, transient, and transitory. While all these words mean "lasting or staying only a short time," ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration.

many slang words are ephemeral

When would evanescent be a good substitute for ephemeral?

The words evanescent and ephemeral are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 ephemeral?

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 could momentary be used to replace ephemeral?

The words momentary and ephemeral can be used in similar contexts, but 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 ephemeral?

The synonyms transient and ephemeral are sometimes interchangeable, but transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

When can transitory be used instead of ephemeral?

In some situations, the words transitory and ephemeral are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Recent Examples of ephemeral

In many ways, writer-director Jing Yi’s graceful and ephemeral drama, The Botanist (Zhi Wu Xue Jia), plays out like your typical coming-of-age movie. —Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025

Stay True To Your Brand Do not try to adopt a philosophy to address what is happening in the moment because the news cycle today can be ephemeral. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Away from the game’s heartlands in Kolkata, Kerala and the country’s north east, there is a feeling its presence is fragile, ephemeral, a sudden explosion of glitter and sparkle that may yet disappear in a puff of smoke. —Rory Smith, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025

Cool and calm weather can extend the length of blooming period, but a rainy, windy day can cause the ephemeral blossoms to end abruptly. —Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!