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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fugitive different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of fugitive are ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, momentary, transient, and transitory. While all these words mean "lasting or staying only a short time," fugitive and fleeting imply passing so quickly as to make apprehending difficult.

let a fugitive smile flit across his face
fleeting moments of joy

When is ephemeral a more appropriate choice than fugitive?

The meanings of ephemeral and fugitive largely overlap; however, ephemeral implies striking brevity of life or duration.

many slang words are ephemeral

When is it sensible to use evanescent instead of fugitive?

In some situations, the words evanescent and fugitive are roughly equivalent. However, evanescent suggests a quick vanishing and an airy or fragile quality.

the story has an evanescent touch of whimsy that is lost in translation

When can momentary be used instead of fugitive?

While in some cases nearly identical to fugitive, momentary suggests coming and going quickly and therefore being merely a brief interruption of a more enduring state.

my feelings of guilt were only momentary

Where would transient be a reasonable alternative to fugitive?

The words transient and fugitive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, transient applies to what is actually short in its duration or stay.

a hotel catering primarily to transient guests

In what contexts can transitory take the place of fugitive?

The words transitory and fugitive can be used in similar contexts, but transitory applies to what is by its nature or essence bound to change, pass, or come to an end.

fame in the movies is transitory

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 fugitive
Adjective
The film tells the story of Barry Cooper, a YouTube star, activist on behalf of drug law reform, and former police officer in Texas now living in Brazil (as a fugitive from U.S. law enforcement). Matthew Carey, Deadline, 2 July 2025 Zhu, who couldn’t be reached for comment, did not enter a plea and was listed as a fugitive as of March 2025. Cezary Podkul, ProPublica, 25 June 2025
Noun
Numerous local, state and federal agencies have continued to comb the wilderness for the fugitive father while experiencing several environmental hurdles, according to Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 That kind of stroke of fortune is often what solves a missing fugitive case. Andy Rose, CNN Money, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fugitive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fugitive
Adjective
  • These medium-sized wild cats are known for their striking golden coats and elusive nature, typically hunting at night.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
  • Plenty of horror movies have shifted the focus from vampires to vampire hunters, imagining an underground network of stake-drivers combatting the elusive breed of bloodsuckers.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t let the lack of flash fool you — this guy is the real deal.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The German figures come a day before the scheduled release of flash inflation data for the euro area, which will be closely watched by investors for guidance on the odds of another interest rate cut from the European Central Bank.
    Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Start by incorporating one nomadic principle this quarter—implementing asynchronous workflows, hiring globally, or rethinking team work-life integration.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
  • This nomadic existence finally frays not just their hosts’ patience but also the central friendship.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The deadly apex aliens have finally revealed themselves, rapidly spreading their deadly spikes across the planet.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 5 July 2025
  • Plus, there's that scene of Will Smith punching an alien in the face!
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Initially, Levitt’s ostomy was temporary, meaning her rectum was left intact for a possible future reconnection.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • The National Weather Service has placed the temporary immigration detention center and Big Cypress National Preserve under a special weather statement until 5:30 p.m., meaning strong wind gusts and possible flooding are imminent.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • In Gaza, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Mozambique, in the blink of an eye, midwives, shrinks, programs for survivors and essential services in refugee camps were gone.
    Isabelle Mayault, The Dial, 8 July 2025
  • In March, the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy announced the cancellation of a $230,000 contract for refugee resettlement, placing critical programs in jeopardy.
    Lila Hempel-Edgers July 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • And while Riemens had a transient lifestyle and was planning a trip to visit family in Michigan just before his disappearance, finding his truck at a nearby store quickly cast suspicion.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • Spring Hill has the lowest transient guest rate in Johnson County at 4%.
    Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Will Reeve, son of the late Christopher Reeve, one of the more famous Hollywood Men of Steel, makes a brief appearance in Superman.
    EW.com, EW.com, 11 July 2025
  • Here is just a brief sampling: Evan Phillips: Out for the season.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fugitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fugitive. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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