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

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 ephemeral Security features include automatic operating system patching and ephemeral compute with limited node lifetimes. Janakiram Msv, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 Apps are ephemeral—the most popular ones are always changing. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2025 Castro’s relationship to Camacho is peculiar, in the way that not many in the industry had the chance to meet this ephemeral talent. Griselda Flores, Billboard, 25 Feb. 2025 The first wave of such video art involved documenting performances, dance being after all an ephemeral art form. Beatrice Loayza, ARTnews.com, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ephemeral
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ephemeral
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
Adjective
  • Even a temporary shift in financial responsibility can provide valuable insights and lead to a greater understanding of how money impacts shared goals.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The permit system was designed to allow homeowners to set up small, temporary farm produce sales stands and engage in small-scale, agricultural activities, including raising animals and beekeeping.
    Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • There was a brief moment when Russell managed to get amongst them after the first round of stops, only for Norris to quickly gain the place back a couple of laps later.
    Luke Smith, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • While attempting to solve the case, the duo must learn how to partner despite Park’s never-ending skepticism of Cupp’s methods and Cupp’s commitment to stay true to herself, even if that means having brief intermissions for birding.
    Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This uncertainty is more than a transient meme storm.
    Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Thus, selling at a low locks in a loss that may have only been transient.
    True Tamplin, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But for the most part these moments are fleeting, embarrassing; the characters try to connect with these figures of Firestone’s former world, and fail.
    Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Trust isn’t built by flash—it’s formed in those quick, fleeting moments when a brand chooses to engage.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Critically, Villa’s left-back must show composure in possession during their build-up, where he is expected to stay deep, receive under pressure and provide a passing option, as shown here against Arsenal in January.
    Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Denver’s defense, led by Surtain II, ranked third in scoring defense while Nix turned in one of the best rookie seasons by a quarterback in NFL history by finishing with the most passing touchdowns, touchdowns, completions and passing yards of any rookie quarterback.
    DJ Siddiqi, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Lately, the concern that Trump’s tariffs could be inflationary has added another wrinkle, though Fed Chair Powell said this past Wednesday that their impact could be transitory.
    Kevin Stankiewicz,Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Previously, the area that would become the Wyoming Territory had been a transitory place that covered wagons passed through on their way west.
    Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The finished product is bright and evanescent, sweet but not too sweet, celebratory, fun, and delicious.
    Erik Ofgang, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Sketches and blackouts are often evanescent, like an idea sketched on a cocktail napkin; some last only a few seconds yet might have been fiendishly complicated to prepare and execute.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Ephemeral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ephemeral. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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