momentary

adjective

mo·​men·​tary ˈmō-mən-ˌter-ē 

1

a

: continuing only a moment : fleeting

a momentarypause

b

: having a very brief life

2

: operative or recurring at every moment

momentariness noun

Synonyms of momentary

• flash
• brief
• temporary
• transient
• passing
• fleeting

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

Since Saturday night’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a momentary bipartisan moment of shared anxiety has quickly descended into partisan rancor. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026

And while the country experiences spectacular sunsets thanks to its varied landscapes, west-facing coast, and wide ocean views, few spots are as perfect for a momentary pause to watch the sun go down as in Lisbon. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026

But for my momentary surrender to the orchestra and the rhythm of the waltz, my thoughts have been elsewhere. —Danielle Parker, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

But through his first three playoff games, Wild rookie goalie Jesper Wallstedt has found a perfect way to produce at least a momentary silence, even in the heat of a game. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for momentary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Kids Definition

momentary

adjective

mo·​men·​tary ˈmō-mən-ˌter-ē 

: lasting only a moment