EPHEMERAL Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of ephemeral are evanescent , fleeting , fugitive , momentary , transient , and transitory . While all these words mean "lasting or staying only a short time," ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration. // many slang words are ephemeral

Q: When would 'evanescent' be a good substitute for 'ephemeral'?

The words evanescent and ephemeral are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 are the words 'fugitive' and 'fleeting' related as synonyms of 'ephemeral'?

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 could 'momentary' be used to replace 'ephemeral'?

The words momentary and ephemeral can be used in similar contexts, but 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 'ephemeral'?

The synonyms transient and ephemeral are sometimes interchangeable, but transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay. // a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

Q: When can 'transitory' be used instead of 'ephemeral'?

In some situations, the words transitory and ephemeral are roughly equivalent. However, 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

adjective

i-ˈfe-mə-rəl

Definition of ephemeral next

as in flash

lasting only for a short time the autumnal blaze of colors is always to be treasured, all the more so because it is so ephemeral

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

many slang words are ephemeral

When would evanescent be a good substitute for ephemeral?

The words evanescent and ephemeral are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 are the words fugitive and fleeting related as synonyms of ephemeral?

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 could momentary be used to replace ephemeral?

The words momentary and ephemeral can be used in similar contexts, but 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 ephemeral?

The synonyms transient and ephemeral are sometimes interchangeable, but transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

When can transitory be used instead of ephemeral?

In some situations, the words transitory and ephemeral are roughly equivalent. However, 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 ephemeral Meanwhile, eyes were stretched and blended into an ephemeral wing. —

Essence, 24 Sep. 2024 Blending guitars and brass instruments, the Mexican pair sing about ephemeral success and handling haters. —

Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 9 Aug. 2024 Martin: That's the thing that's hard to communicate to the youngs – the ephemeral magic of that happening. —

NPR, 12 Sep. 2024 While practical concerns – like the cost of living and available transportation – are often most relevant, there are also other more ephemeral qualities that come to mind when choosing where to reside. —

Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ephemeral

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ephemeral

Adjective

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
Residents who live near the intersection where the accident occurred said the flash mobs of street takeovers have become weekly occurrences in their neighborhood.

Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2022