ephemeral
23 synonyms and 4 antonyms for ephemeral, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Lasting for only a short time; fleeting.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use ephemeral
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
ephemeral beauty
the ephemeral nature of fame
an ephemeral moment
A literary/formal word — in everyday speech people usually just say "short-lived" or "temporary".
Etymology
From Greek ephemeros, "lasting a day" — originally used for short-lived flowers and insects.
Full origin of ephemeral →Frequently asked questions
What does “ephemeral” mean?
The word “ephemeral” means lasting for only a short time; fleeting. In plain terms, something that doesn't last long.
How do you pronounce “ephemeral”?
“Ephemeral” is pronounced eh-FEH-muh-ruhl (/ɛˈfɛ.mə.ɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “ephemeral” in a sentence?
Here is “ephemeral” used in a sentence: “Fame on social media can be ephemeral — huge one week, forgotten the next.”
What is another word for “ephemeral”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ephemeral” include earthly, brief, evanescent, deciduous, fleeting and flying.
What is the opposite of “ephemeral”?
The opposite of “ephemeral” — its antonyms — are lasting, eternal, perennial and persistent.
What part of speech is “ephemeral”?
“Ephemeral” is an adjective.
Where does the word “ephemeral” come from?
The word “ephemeral” comes from Greek. From Greek ephemeros, "lasting a day" — originally used for short-lived flowers and insects.
