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

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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 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 transitory This holds that the current bout of inflation will prove transitory. —

Sebastian Mallaby, Foreign Affairs, 30 June 2021 Alas, Chiron and all its fellow centaurs are in a transitory phase, and over the next million years its ultimate fate will be decided. —

Keith Cooper, Space.com, 23 Dec. 2024 Will the Fed act quickly or take the view that inflation is transitory? —

Garth Friesen, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024 Yes, but: Johnson allies and skeptics alike acknowledged that the frustration may be transitory – and could easily subside with a single Trump tweet. —

Andrew Solender, Axios, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for transitory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for transitory

Adjective

But temporary residents, people who come in here, whether legally or illegally, and don’t plan to stay, their children shouldn’t become American citizens.

— Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Jan. 2025
Once the league’s best franchise, the Sparks have devolved into a rudderless mess with constant changes in leadership, no real stars and only recently announced plans for a new practice facility after being relegated to temporary locker rooms at a community college.

— Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025