FLEETING Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of fleeting are ephemeral , evanescent , fugitive , 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: In what contexts can 'ephemeral' take the place of 'fleeting'?

The words ephemeral and fleeting are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration. // many slang words are ephemeral

Q: Where would 'evanescent' be a reasonable alternative to 'fleeting'?

While the synonyms evanescent and fleeting are close in meaning, 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 is it sensible to use 'momentary' instead of 'fleeting'?

The synonyms momentary and fleeting are sometimes interchangeable, 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: When might 'transient' be a better fit than 'fleeting'?

The meanings of transient and fleeting largely overlap; however, transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay. // a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

Q: When is 'transitory' a more appropriate choice than 'fleeting'?

The words transitory and fleeting 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

fleeting

adjective

ˈflē-tiŋ

Definition of fleeting

as in flash

lasting only for a short time had a fleeting desire to jump into the cool lake but kept on hiking

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of fleeting are ephemeral, evanescent, fugitive, 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

In what contexts can ephemeral take the place of fleeting?

The words ephemeral and fleeting are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration.

many slang words are ephemeral

Where would evanescent be a reasonable alternative to fleeting?

While the synonyms evanescent and fleeting are close in meaning, 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 is it sensible to use momentary instead of fleeting?

The synonyms momentary and fleeting are sometimes interchangeable, 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

When might transient be a better fit than fleeting?

The meanings of transient and fleeting largely overlap; however, transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

When is transitory a more appropriate choice than fleeting?

The words transitory and fleeting 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

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 fleeting One post may seem fleeting, but millions of them, examined together, can tell us something larger about how public discourse is changing. — Thu T. Nguyen, Baltimore Sun, 27 Aug. 2026 Golden hour is one of the best times to be outside and enjoying the evening sun; the lighting during golden hour is unlike any other time of day and gives way to a fleeting warmth that’s both romantic and somewhat nostalgic. — Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The West Wing’s explosive response to a fleeting jab didn’t kill the story. — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026 Another waterspout moved ashore near the eastern Rockaways in southern Queens, according to the National Weather Service, but no damage has been reported from the fleeting whirlwind. — Dakota Smith, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fleeting

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fleeting

Adjective

Saturday's flash-flood event occurred after four rounds of rain swept across parts of the Grand Canyon over a span of about six hours, according to the National Weather Service.

— Trevor Ault, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
Missing hiker tip line The National Park Service is asking the public to provide information about 15 missing people after a significant flash-flood event in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area.

— N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of flash

Adjective

The researchers attach a thin, transparent polyester film to the remaining structure before removing the temporary support.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
This July, the EU enacted one of their demands, abolishing the customs duty exemption below €150 and introducing a temporary €3 duty per item.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of temporary

Adjective

Summary The 2018 Sears bankruptcy underscored retail's transient nature, a lesson Jeff Bezos and former Walmart CEO Doug McMillon also emphasize.

— Jason Goldberg, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Before his arrest, Grannell appears to have been transient, possibly living at a campground in Round Mountain, Texas.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of transient

Adjective

The truth is the lack of an over-the-top passing game isn’t surprising based on what Craig has showed in practice.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
The first game under Pritchard was an exciting one with the Cardinal passing game looking sharp with Warren running a balanced attack.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of passing

Adjective

Since his confirmation earlier this year, the central bank has split further on whether inflation is truly transitory; last month’s decision to keep rates steady resulted in the most dissents since 1970.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
That all prices – high and low – are transitory is tautological.

— John Tamny, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of transitory

Adjective

Viral memes and videos are often good for only ephemeral dopamine hits, but leave the elixir to the humor and talent of the Gregory Brothers, a longtime musical quartet.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 23 Aug. 2026
The prospect of a book, uneditable once on shelves, presented an overwhelming feeling of finality compared to the ever-evolving, ephemeral language of fashion design.

— Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of ephemeral

Adjective

This woman reportedly had already been receiving unwanted and threatening messages, and investigators concluded that Zhou’s AI conversations showed something more than a momentary angry outburst.

— Matthew T. Christ, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Long said crews took a momentary pause and will restart work within the next week.

— Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of momentary

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“Fleeting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fleeting. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of fleeting

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