split-sec·ond
ˈsplit-ˈse-kənd 
1
: occurring in a split second
a split-second decision
2
: extremely precise
split-second timing
Examples of split-second in a Sentence
Adjective
a day trader who is used to making split-second decisions
Noun
In a split second, it was all over.
a devastating accident can cause everything in your life to change in a split second
Recent Examples on the Web
Ronnie Li, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
Barbu’s three-mile push to the finish, wounded and running on pure adrenaline through mountain terrain, came down to a split-second decision.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
In that split second Mara peeled to his right, curling around Avila for the easy lay in.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for split-second
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Adjective
As the crowd watches, a surf coach makes a split-second choice.
—Ronnie Li, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
Barbu’s three-mile push to the finish, wounded and running on pure adrenaline through mountain terrain, came down to a split-second decision.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
The ten seconds that led to the Braylon Mullins’ miracle shot were a series of reflex plays, reactions, the ultimate in instincts taking over, living in the split second, rather than in the moment.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
In that split second Mara peeled to his right, curling around Avila for the easy lay in.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for split-second
Cite this Entry
“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/split-second. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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