momentary

[moh-muhn-ter-ee] / ˈmoʊ mənˌtɛr i /

ADJECTIVE

brief, fleeting

Synonyms

STRONGEST

short-lived temporary transitory

WEAK

cursory dreamlike ephemeral evanescent flashing flitting flying fugacious fugitive gone in flash hasty impermanent impulsive in wink of an eye instantaneous like lightning passing quick shifting short spasmodic summary transient vanishing volatile

Antonyms

STRONGEST

lasting lengthy long-lived permanent

WEAK

long-lasting staying

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He said O'Sullivan suffered a "momentary lapse of concentration" at the wheel, the cause of which had never been established.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

“It’ll have a momentary effect, no doubt about it. Humans are very reactionary,” Parsons said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

Other cyber stocks saw a momentary lift the week, but that optimism didn’t last long.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Observing that momentary disappearance allows scientists to calculate the asteroid's position, speed, and shape with remarkable precision.

From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026

Then I remember reading Horatio’s letter, and despair, like a cold wind, dispels the momentary peace.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Vocabulary lists containing momentary

Chronically Dolores

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Brief

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-ary

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