split-second 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsplit-ˈse-kənd How to pronounce split-second (audio)
Definition of split-secondnext
as in instantaneous
done or occurring without any noticeable lapse in time a day trader who is used to making split-second decisions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

split second

2 of 2

noun

as in minute
a very small space of time a devastating accident can cause everything in your life to change in a split second

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 split-second
Adjective
If the business genuinely needs split-second freshness on individual records and heavy analytics, forcing both onto one platform can compromise performance and inflate costs—two specialized systems may be cheaper long term. — Kevin Mathrani, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 And for the Florida native, her trailblazing achievement was about far more than getting split-second decisions right in the face of online misogyny. — Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Noun
Rispoli seemed not totally aware of what happened in the split seconds before the start of the San Diego Handicap. — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026 But the real challenge – and the reason no bird-scale robot has managed this leap before – is the split second in between, when the robot has to shove itself out of the water with nothing but its wings. — New Atlas, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for split-second
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second
  1. instantaneous
  2. minute
  3. immediate
  4. second
  5. instant
  6. moment
  7. heartbeat
Adjective
  • And all have been just as vulnerable to the near-instantaneous bootlegging.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • In his Missouri Western dormitory office on Wednesday morning, Reid acknowledged an instantaneous turn toward 2026.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of instantaneous
Noun
  • The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Finally, after about four minutes of confusion, Marine One and the tower make contact.
    — Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of minute
Adjective
  • The oil market remains in backwardation, a phenomenon that occurs where futures contracts with immediate or near-term deliveries sell at a premium over later deliveries, suggesting an expectation that prices will fall over time.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • This weekend, religious leaders are expected to travel to Springfield to request the immediate release of one of the pastors, Joubert Adrien, from immigration detention after he was detained while riding as a passenger in a car.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of immediate
Noun
  • Its 100mm pixel macro lens captures 28 images per second in order to guide the jet to the gaps in your teeth.
    — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The two stabbings happened about 20 seconds apart, Tisch said.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of second
Adjective
  • This piece argues critical thinking was built for reflection and human opponents, not for fluent, instant AI output.
    — Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Another really handy feature that XTU has included is a magnetic instant snap-in magnetic mount, which locks in securely to the bottom of the camera allowing for it to be mounted in various ways – selfie stick, tripod, dashcam or on a helmet.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of instant
Noun
  • There’s also been lots of moments to dress up for too, with megawatt tours from Harry Styles, Ariana Grande, and Zara Larsson; maximalist pop stars with fans eager to follow their lead in sequins and ties, hibiscus flowers in hair.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
  • First, Mary Carillo, the former player and trailblazing broadcaster and journalist, had her moment.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of moment
Noun
  • Three years ago, FSU was undefeated, Travis was its heartbeat and Norvell appeared to have resurrected one of college football’s great empires.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
  • For his, Connor chose a copy of Grant’s heartbeat from the hospital.
    — Susan Young, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of heartbeat

Browse Nearby Words

splits
split-second
split second
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Cite this Entry

“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split-second. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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