momentary

Gone in seconds

Momentary describes something lasting only a moment—brief and fleeting.

A momentary lapse in concentration passes quickly.

There was a momentary silence before the applause.

The word emphasizes how short-lived something is, often with the implication that it will soon give way to something else: momentary hesitation, momentary relief.

duration

brief

Short in duration

fleetingPassing very quickly
short-livedLasting only briefly
ephemeralLasting very briefly

transient · passing · evanescent · transitory · impermanent · temporary · quick · instantaneous · split-second · short-term

flash

spark

Tiny fiery particle

glintBrief bright reflection
gleamFaint reflected light
flareSudden bright burst

flicker · twinkle · shimmer · glimmer · glitter · glow · glimpse · burst · blip · spurt

instant

second

Unit smaller than minute

heartbeatRhythmic cardiac contraction
blinkRapid lid movement
jiffyInformal term for instant

nanosecond · flash · tick · instant · twinkling · breath · eyeblink · split-second · wink · flicker

lapse

pause

Temporary cessation of activity

hesitationDelay from uncertainty
slipMinor error or misstep
falterLose momentum or steadiness

interruption · break · gap · hiatus · suspension · blackout · distraction · wavering · stumble · forgetting

momentary

brief

spark

second

pause

momentary

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