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

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 transitory Some Republican economists also dismissed the idea that the fiscal stimulus would be inflationary, and financial markets suggested that investors believed that inflation would be transitory. Jason Furman, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2025 His administration's efforts to characterize inflation as 'temporary' or 'transitory' in 2021 may have been technically correct, in the sense that the rate of inflation has come down from its heights following the pandemic. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 But for many people, this can become more than just a transitory concern and become an all-consuming worry and source of anxiety. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2025 However, Prestige Economics expects the recent acceleration in the year-on-year total CPI inflation rate is likely to be transitory, with lower year-on-year inflation rates in Q2 2025 due to base effects. Jason Schenker, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transitory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transitory
Adjective
  • The adhesion is very strong, which might be a benefit for a wall where strong, long-term adhesion is desired, but for renters looking for a temporary fix, this might not be the best due to its difficulty in removing and damage of the paint on the wall.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Trump administration officials suggested there would be a temporary carveout for vehicles and parts that complied with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free-trade agreement, but said how that would end up working was still being determined.
    Rob Wile, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025
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
  • 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
  • The tour through Rome’s historic center came after Francis made his first appearance in five weeks to give a thumbs-up and brief blessing from a hospital balcony.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This uncertainty is more than a transient meme storm.
    Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Another program in Miami-Dade that may be impacted is the Migrant Education Program, which identifies students who may be transient due to their parents’ jobs in the agriculture industry.
    Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Snapchat, meanwhile, exposed teens to risky interactions due to its ephemeral messaging, which fosters intimate but potentially unsafe connections.
    Abdulmalik Alluhidan, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
  • They’re not limited to Southern California, though; for more info on possible places these awesome, ephemeral displays might appear in 2025, check out the nonprofit Theodore Payne Foundation.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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