Synonyms for

Transient

Verb / ˈtrænʒʌnt / Another word for transient — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

lasting only for a short time; impermanent

Synonyms & similar words

transeunt ephemeral shortlived transitory passing immanent fugacious fleeting ephemeral temporary short-lived brief momentary passing evanescent transitory impermanent fugitive unstable volatile mutable mutable flitting transmigratory moving mercurial flighty

Synonyms by register

Formal

ephemeral fleeting temporary transitory

Informal

short-lived passing quick

Literary

fugitive momentary

Antonyms

permanent lasting enduring eternal constant stable persistent

Common collocations

  • transient population
  • transient nature
  • transient worker
  • transient phenomenon
  • transient state
  • transient effects
  • transient homelessness

Word family

noun transience
adverb transiently

Usage note

Often used to describe things that exist or happen for only a short period of time, such as a population or a feeling. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of instability.

Example sentences

  1. The clouds in the sky were transient, and soon the sun came out.
  2. The joy he felt after winning the game was only transient, and he soon felt sad again.
  3. The flowers in the garden were transient, blooming only for a short time before withering away.
  4. The caterpillar's life was transient, as it soon transformed into a butterfly.
  5. The happiness she felt on vacation was only transient, and she soon returned to her normal routine.

Quotes

  • The only way to deal with fear is to face it head-on, and the only way to deal with a transient emotion is to feel it until it moves on.
  • Life is like a dream, transient and fleeting.
  • Happiness is transient, and it's worth striving for but not worth clinging to.

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