momentarily

adverb

mo·​men·​tar·​i·​ly ˌmō-mən-ˈter-ə-lē How to pronounce momentarily (audio)
Synonyms of momentarilynext
1
: for a moment
The rain stopped momentarily.
2
archaic : instantly
3
: at any moment : in a moment
The show will start momentarily.

Synonyms of momentarily

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Examples of momentarily in a Sentence

The wind let up momentarily, allowing us to start a campfire. He paused momentarily before finishing his speech. We expect them to arrive momentarily.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
All but two people — one client and one guide who had momentarily fallen behind the group because of an equipment issue — were buried by the wall of snow that came off the mountain. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026 People within the path of totality experience a total solar eclipse, which unfolds when the skies go momentarily dark as the sun disappears behind the moon’s shadow. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026 Despite being momentarily interrupted by some lightening, the Dolphins — and most importantly tight end Greg Dulcich — are back outside. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026 Jonathan Taylor Thomas is back in the spotlight — at least momentarily. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for momentarily

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of momentarily was in 1655

Rhymes for momentarily

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Browse Nearby Words

momentany
momentarily
momentariness
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Cite this Entry

“Momentarily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/momentarily. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

momentarily

adverb
mo·​men·​tari·​ly
ˌmō-mən-ˈter-ə-lē
1
: for a moment
the pain eased momentarily
2
archaic : instantly
3
: at any moment
we expect them momentarily

More from Merriam-Webster on momentarily

Nglish: Translation of momentarily for Spanish Speakers

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