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Definition of momentary

momentary

/ˈmoʊmənˌtɛri/
mo · men · tar · y
Adverb:momentarily
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momentary Lexical Profile

momentary Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Lasting for a very short time; brief and fleeting.

Example

"There was a momentary pause in the conversation before the speaker resumed her presentation."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'momentary' (lasting for a very brief time) with 'momentous' (of great importance or significance).

• Nearby Words

mombin
moment
momentarily
momentary
momentous
momentously
momentum

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Late Latin momentarius ('of brief duration'), derived from Latin momentum ('movement, particle, brief space of time'), a contraction of movimentum from movere ('to move').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Momentary. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/momentary
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