Definitions

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

It is but a momentary respite for the hard-pressed island.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The tears rose in his eyes, and there was a momentary choking in his throat; he said quite calmly:—

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Vocabulary lists containing momentary

Chronically Dolores

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Brief

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The Ink Witch

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