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
Dr. John Guzzi, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026
Input lag doesn’t matter with every game, but titles that rely on split-second decisions require the lowest lag possible.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 May 2026
Alec Lewis, New York Times, 20 May 2026
As the human's shot saw the ball graze the top of the net and change trajectory, Ace readjusted in a split second, reacting in real time better than most humans could.
—New Atlas, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for split-second
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Adjective
Every day, physician anesthesiologists make split-second decisions that affect whether a patient remains stable, safe and pain-free during surgery.
—Dr. John Guzzi, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026
Input lag doesn’t matter with every game, but titles that rely on split-second decisions require the lowest lag possible.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 May 2026
Noun
The brain must calculate angles in split seconds.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 20 May 2026
As the human's shot saw the ball graze the top of the net and change trajectory, Ace readjusted in a split second, reacting in real time better than most humans could.
—New Atlas, 3 May 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 31 May. 2026.
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