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
Claudia Lauer, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
This enables robots and self-driving cars, for example, to handle complex tasks, adapt to changing environments, and make split-second decisions while moving and interacting with the world around them.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025
That makes a fake alert feel real for a split second.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for split-second
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Adjective
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended federal agents’ use of force, saying Thursday that officers often must make split-second decisions in dangerous and chaotic situations.
—Claudia Lauer, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
This enables robots and self-driving cars, for example, to handle complex tasks, adapt to changing environments, and make split-second decisions while moving and interacting with the world around them.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
Feig seems lost in pleasantly tipsy thought for a split second.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025
That makes a fake alert feel real for a split second.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025
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 13 Jan. 2026.
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