momentary

adjective

mo·men·tary ˈmō-mən-ˌter-ē

Synonyms of momentary next

: continuing only a moment : fleeting

: having a very brief life

: operative or recurring at every moment

momentariness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for momentary

transient, transitory, ephemeral, momentary, fugitive, fleeting, evanescent mean lasting or staying only a short time.

transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

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

ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration.

many slang words are ephemeral

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

fugitive and fleeting imply passing so quickly as to make apprehending difficult.

let a fugitive smile flit across his face

fleeting moments of joy

evanescent suggests a quick vanishing and an airy or fragile quality.

the story has an evanescent touch of whimsy that is lost in translation

Examples of momentary in a Sentence

He experienced a momentary loss of consciousness. the pain of the flu shot was only momentary

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Will the gift elicit a momentary laugh and then end up in the trash or being donated to a thrift store? —

Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024 There was no momentary tapping of the shoulder of an assistant coach for in-game advice. —

Kelly Iko, The Athletic, 13 July 2024 His career-high 25 points revealed a momentary glimpse of scoring potential. —

Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024 The city can mix and interchange these resources depending on momentary needs, Campbell said. —

Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for momentary

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of momentary was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Momentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/momentary. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

momentary

adjective

mo·men·tary ˈmō-mən-ˌter-ē

: lasting only a moment

Last Updated: 28 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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momentary

adjective

Synonyms

Examples of momentary in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near momentary

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition