TRANSITORY Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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

Q: When could 'ephemeral' be used to replace 'transitory'?

Although the words ephemeral and transitory have much in common, ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration. // many slang words are ephemeral

Q: When is 'evanescent' a more appropriate choice than 'transitory'?

The meanings of evanescent and transitory largely overlap; 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: How do 'fugitive' and 'fleeting' relate to one another, in the sense of 'transitory'?

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

Q: When would 'momentary' be a good substitute for 'transitory'?

While in some cases nearly identical to transitory , 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: In what contexts can 'transient' take the place of 'transitory'?

While the synonyms transient and transitory are close in meaning, transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay. // a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

transitory

adjective

ˈtran(t)-sə-ˌtȯr-ē

Definition of transitory next

as in temporary

lasting only for a short time a transitory panic struck me when I realized that I had left my wallet in the car

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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

When could ephemeral be used to replace transitory?

Although the words ephemeral and transitory have much in common, ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration.

many slang words are ephemeral

When is evanescent a more appropriate choice than transitory?

The meanings of evanescent and transitory largely overlap; 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 do fugitive and fleeting relate to one another, in the sense of transitory?

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 would momentary be a good substitute for transitory?

While in some cases nearly identical to transitory, 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 transitory?

While the synonyms transient and transitory are close in meaning, transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

Examples of transitory in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web This is a core belief at my company: Far from a simple transitory space, the airport lounge can become a destination in itself. —

Pascal Bélanger, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024 In 2021, many policymakers and observers (this one included) adjudged rising prices to be a transitory phenomenon and urged a cautious response to them. —

John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2024 The forces that sparked these changes were fundamental, not transitory. —

Steven Radelet, Foreign Affairs, 14 Dec. 2015 Recall of course that at the end of this speedy sets of cuts, most of the leading central banks had declared inflation to be ‘transitory’. —

Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for transitory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transitory

Adjective

Throughout the episode, Maddie has been sharing her feelings about wanting another child: Jee-Yun is missing Mara, who spent three months as a temporary big sister.

Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
The Lone Star State withdrew its motion for a temporary restraining order.

Ella Lee, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024