FUGITIVE Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'fugitive' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of fugitive are ephemeral , evanescent , fleeting , momentary , transient , and transitory . While all these words mean "lasting or staying only a short time," 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 is 'ephemeral' a more appropriate choice than 'fugitive'?

The meanings of ephemeral and fugitive largely overlap; however, ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration. // many slang words are ephemeral

Q: When is it sensible to use 'evanescent' instead of 'fugitive'?

In some situations, the words evanescent and fugitive 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

Q: When can 'momentary' be used instead of 'fugitive'?

While in some cases nearly identical to fugitive , 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: Where would 'transient' be a reasonable alternative to 'fugitive'?

The words transient and fugitive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay. // a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

Q: In what contexts can 'transitory' take the place of 'fugitive'?

The words transitory and fugitive 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

fugitive 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfyü-jə-tiv

Definition of fugitive next

as in elusive

hard to find, capture, or isolate that fugitive trait called artistic creativity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in flash

lasting only for a short time had fugitive thoughts of leaving town after finishing high school but never acted on them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in nomadic

traveling from place to place a small fugitive circus that traveled the countryside

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fugitive

2 of 2

noun

as in alien

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of fugitive are ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, momentary, transient, and transitory. While all these words mean "lasting or staying only a short time," 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 is ephemeral a more appropriate choice than fugitive?

The meanings of ephemeral and fugitive largely overlap; however, ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration.

many slang words are ephemeral

When is it sensible to use evanescent instead of fugitive?

In some situations, the words evanescent and fugitive 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

When can momentary be used instead of fugitive?

While in some cases nearly identical to fugitive, 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

Where would transient be a reasonable alternative to fugitive?

The words transient and fugitive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

In what contexts can transitory take the place of fugitive?

The words transitory and fugitive 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

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 fugitive

Adjective

Multiple law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and Mexico conducted a joint fugitive investigation to find Sturgiss, leading to his arrest in Rosarito. —

Ksnv Staff, Baltimore Sun, 26 Dec. 2024 Juan Camilo Avila-Olmos, 28, was captured Saturday in Los Angeles and held on a fugitive warrant, the Stamford Police Department wrote Sunday on Facebook. —

Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 23 Dec. 2024

Noun

Chanté and Rick McCoy III claim their father, Richard McCoy Jr., is the fugitive, after allegedly finding the suspect's parachute hidden in their home, the New York Post reported. —

Louis Casiano, Fox News, 27 Nov. 2024 The fugitives escaped on foot, stole a series of cars, and had more gunfights over the next several days. —

Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fugitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fugitive

Adjective

All this as answers remain elusive about the ignition source of the fires.

Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025
While not specifically addressed in the film, The Prosecutor repeatedly emphasizes that upholding justice is of paramount importance, even when evidence and truth remain elusive or prove insufficient.

James Marsh, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025