FUGITIVE Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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

The meanings of ephemeral and fugitive largely overlap; however, ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration. // many slang words are ephemeral

Q: When is it sensible to use 'evanescent' instead of 'fugitive'?

In some situations, the words evanescent and fugitive are roughly equivalent. 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: When can 'momentary' be used instead of 'fugitive'?

While in some cases nearly identical to fugitive , 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: Where would 'transient' be a reasonable alternative to 'fugitive'?

The words transient and fugitive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay. // a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

Q: In what contexts can 'transitory' take the place of 'fugitive'?

The words transitory and fugitive can be used in similar contexts, but 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

fugitive 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfyü-jə-tiv

Definition of fugitive next

as in elusive

hard to find, capture, or isolate that fugitive trait called artistic creativity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in flash

lasting only for a short time had fugitive thoughts of leaving town after finishing high school but never acted on them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in nomadic

traveling from place to place a small fugitive circus that traveled the countryside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fugitive

2 of 2

noun

as in alien

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

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

The meanings of ephemeral and fugitive largely overlap; however, ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration.

many slang words are ephemeral

When is it sensible to use evanescent instead of fugitive?

In some situations, the words evanescent and fugitive are roughly equivalent. 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

When can momentary be used instead of fugitive?

While in some cases nearly identical to fugitive, 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

Where would transient be a reasonable alternative to fugitive?

The words transient and fugitive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

In what contexts can transitory take the place of fugitive?

The words transitory and fugitive can be used in similar contexts, but 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 fugitive

Adjective

The federal fugitive task force, a law enforcement body focused on capturing wanted violent criminals, will continue to provide resources to local and state agencies in the search for Couch. —

Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 17 Sep. 2024 In mid-November 2022, the Cincinnati police fugitive apprehension unit saw Chandler driving Downtown and tried to stop him. —

Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 10 Aug. 2024

Noun

In the late 1960s, a runaway bride named Covey disappears into the surf off the coast of Jamaica and is feared drowned or a fugitive on the run for her husband’s murder. —

Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2024 Wedding is now considered an armed and dangerous fugitive, according to the FBI. —

Patrick Smith, NBC News, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fugitive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fugitive

Adjective

While our understanding of the brain has (thankfully) developed greatly from the days of removing cerebral tissue to see what would happen, a precise understanding of where our memories reside—and how our brain recalls past experience—remains elusive.

Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
Instead, the video communicates his power through the awe of crowds and dignitaries; the cosmic draw of the man himself remains elusive to the uninitiated viewer.

Joseph Bien-Kahn, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2024