transient

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of transient are ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, fugitive, momentary, and transitory. While all these words mean "lasting or staying only a short time," transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

When could ephemeral be used to replace transient?

The synonyms ephemeral and transient are sometimes interchangeable, but ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration.

many slang words are ephemeral

Where would evanescent be a reasonable alternative to transient?

In some situations, the words evanescent and transient are roughly equivalent. However, evanescent suggests a quick vanishing and an airy or fragile quality.

the story has an evanescent touch of whimsy that is lost in translation

How do fugitive and fleeting relate to one another, in the sense of transient?

Both 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 momentary take the place of transient?

The words momentary and transient are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 transitory be a better fit than transient?

The words transitory and transient 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 transient
Adjective
The horns and strings all have great attack, and the precise transients add to the atmosphere. PC Magazine, 4 June 2025 The discovery marks the first time that such objects, called long-period transients, have been detected in X-rays, the team said in a press release announcing the findings. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 31 May 2025
Noun
Home touches like this, along with the hotel's locally populated cafe, restaurant, and events (and the fact that there's a residency building attached), make The Loren feel more like a community than a transient hub. Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2025 Compared to an initial version of the budgets presented to City Council members in May, the ones that were adopted include an additional $194,000 and $160,000 in transient occupancy tax revenue for 2026 and 2027, respectively. Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for transient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transient
Adjective
  • And a year and a half later, so says Manhattan Federal Judge Laura Taylor Swain, who has now issued a temporary restraining order preventing the implementation of the well-meaning, but misguided law.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 July 2025
  • Initially, Levitt’s ostomy was temporary, meaning her rectum was left intact for a possible future reconnection.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • With law enforcement on their tail, Thelma and Louise contend with fascinating characters (including a thoroughly rakish drifter played by Brad Pitt), misogynistic biases, and their own impending fates.
    Sophie van Bastelaer, EW.com, 7 July 2025
  • Chicago detectives soon zeroed in on Bennie Bedwell, an out-of-state drifter who was spotted with the girls by witnesses, according to local WGN.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t let the lack of flash fool you — this guy is the real deal.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The German figures come a day before the scheduled release of flash inflation data for the euro area, which will be closely watched by investors for guidance on the odds of another interest rate cut from the European Central Bank.
    Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2024
Noun
  • The population at South Korea’s vagrant facilities peaked in the 1980s as the then-military government intensified roundups to beautify streets ahead of the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Olympic Games held in Seoul.
    Kim Tong-Hyung, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2024
  • While the policy is intended to protect homeless individuals from discrimination, some say its unintended consequences will only perpetuate the crisis and safeguard vagrants from prosecution.
    Tim Clouser | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Sep. 2024
Noun
  • An international tourist tax in the amount of 1,000 yen ($7 USD) is automatically included in your departure airfare.
    Michelle Gross, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The tourist destination of Cabo San Lucas is now in the possible path of Flossie.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Here is just a brief sampling: Evan Phillips: Out for the season.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Will Reeve, son of the late Christopher Reeve, one of the more famous Hollywood Men of Steel, makes a brief appearance in Superman.
    EW.com, EW.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Flynn stars in the series in the pivotal role of Dickie Greenleaf, a wayward vagabond who is murdered by a grifter, Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott), who assumes Dickie’s identity.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • Marseille is like a siren’s song; for thousands of years, sailors and vagabonds have been drawn in and hooked by its rebellious undercurrent.
    Lily Radziemski, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • For light sleepers or travelers seeking a more tranquil setting, this property may not be the best fit.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • The same applies to travelers with mobility concerns.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Transient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transient. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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