SHORT-LIVED Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

short-lived

adjective

ˈshȯrt-ˈlivd

Definition of short-lived

as in brief

lasting only for a short time the skier's triumph turned out to be short-lived, as the next competitor bested her time

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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 short-lived The break will be short-lived, as hotter and more humid weather is expected this weekend and will continue into early next week. — Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 However, this flurry of spy satellite development was short-lived. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026 The Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association says any price relief will be short-lived. — Esme Murphy, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 However, allergic reactions are different from side effects such as itching, redness or rash, which tend to be mild or short-lived. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for short-lived

Recent Examples of Synonyms for short-lived

Adjective

In true postmodern fashion, Fitzgerald gets a brief, drunken cameo, meeting Jack on an ocean liner.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Since their high-profile wedding and brief honeymoon, the newlyweds haven’t spent much time together.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of brief

Adjective

Gates officially open Monday, August 31, but just over half of the attendees will arrive earlier to build the big art installations and other features of the temporary city.

— Anya Kamenetz, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026
However, temporary court orders and pending litigation have affected the official list of qualifying professional degrees.

— Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of temporary

Adjective

For example, there is a greater focus on workwear that can address flash-fire hazards while also functioning as everyday task wear.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Parts of Connecticut and New York, including the Albany area, remained under flash-flood warnings on Wednesday morning.

— Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 29 July 2026

Definition of flash

Adjective

Summary The 2018 Sears bankruptcy underscored retail's transient nature, a lesson Jeff Bezos and former Walmart CEO Doug McMillon also emphasize.

— Jason Goldberg, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Before his arrest, Grannell appears to have been transient, possibly living at a campground in Round Mountain, Texas.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of transient

Adjective

The truth is the lack of an over-the-top passing game isn’t surprising based on what Craig has showed in practice.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
The first game under Pritchard was an exciting one with the Cardinal passing game looking sharp with Warren running a balanced attack.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of passing

Adjective

Fortunately, one of the most sensitive detectors ever constructed was buried there to catch that fleeting glow and record the neutrinos’ ghostly presence.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 31 Aug. 2026
The furniture and decor for your little one leans into that fleeting window of imagination, bringing color, whimsy, and playfulness to make their room feel unmistakably theirs.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of fleeting

Adjective

Viral memes and videos are often good for only ephemeral dopamine hits, but leave the elixir to the humor and talent of the Gregory Brothers, a longtime musical quartet.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 23 Aug. 2026
The prospect of a book, uneditable once on shelves, presented an overwhelming feeling of finality compared to the ever-evolving, ephemeral language of fashion design.

— Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of ephemeral

Browse Nearby Words

shortish

short-lived

shortly

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“Short-lived.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short-lived. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of short-lived

adjective

Example Sentences

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