SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS
transient
adjective
Lasting only a short time.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
Briefly lasting
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topTransient emphasizes limited duration. Momentary is especially brief; temporary can last longer if a later end or replacement is expected.
CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT
See transient in use
A transient break in the clouds lit the harbor.
A transient problem with a missing key delayed one visit but was resolved that afternoon.
Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.
Synonym reference scope and sources
The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.
How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license