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 This time, master perfumer Dominique Ropion and perfumer Meabh McCurtin set out to create a classic, enduring fragrance, steering clear of fleeting trends—an approach consistent with Merit’s philosophy for Retrospect. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 Creative endeavor, in the space of a few hours, flashes its many faces, arduous and sexy, fleeting and fun. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 Rather than chasing every fleeting trend, the brand focuses on trusty staples that can work across seasons and last for years to come, making its pieces well worth the investment. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 15 Oct. 2026 That difference is now proving itself in luxury real estate, where the quality of the experience determines whether surf is a fleeting novelty or an anchor with staying power. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fleeting

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fleeting

Adjective

San Antonio, Texas, was under a flash-flood warning through Thursday evening, and the city urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

— Fabiola Sanchez, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
On Monday, the flash-flood threat is lower, but locally heavy downpours are possible for parts of the Mid-Atlantic later in the day.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of flash

Adjective

Yet now, after brief outbreaks in Texas during the 1970s and the Florida Keys in 2016, the dangerous parasite has returned.

— Robert Kelly, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
After Jahan Dotson’s chance at a first impression came and went with only one catch for 19 yards in a season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Falcons’ receiver shared a brief chat with president of football Matt Ryan.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of brief

Adjective

The transient air pressure of a passing thunderstorm, or the excessive production of cow patties, spoiled the chips.

— Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Back in February, Wyandotte County commissioners decided that the local government would direct a portion of its future sales, use and transient guest tax revenues to pay for the Chiefs development.

— Sofi Zeman October 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of transient

Adjective

The Horned Frogs leaned more on their passing game as the run game took a step back significantly in 2023.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
Containing the ground game could put Seattle in predictable passing situations, giving the Chiefs a chance to pressure Darnold and force mistakes.

— Neil Nakahodo, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of passing

Adjective

The motivation to hit the road, present the music and see the faces of the fans is addictive, but after days of long bus rides and transitory environs, there’s a buzz that comes from getting back to the family.

— Tom Roland, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026
Still, there are hints of purpose in such transitory alignments, a sense of intuitive forces at work.

— Reed Jackson, SPIN, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of transitory

Adjective

In the barn, Raad has assiduously organized ephemeral materials like wall labels from his exhibitions and name cards from dinners he’s attended, all fodder that may or may not become an artwork in the future.

— Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
But there's still plant life to be found, especially around the Hoanib River, an ephemeral river that only flows on the surface following heavy rain—though water persists underground both in the river and in springs.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of ephemeral

Adjective

The rebuttal, though methodical and logical, was little more than a momentary speed bump for the runaway popularity of the psychedelic bread story.

— Jennifer Byrne, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026
That's especially useful to me for computers and long-running 3D prints, where even a momentary interruption can ruin hours or days of work.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of momentary

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“Fleeting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fleeting. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of fleeting

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