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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of split-second
Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026
Alcaraz raised his arms to the skies and as the crowd erupted, the long flight of Zverev’s shot giving them an extra split-second to raise their voices to a crescendo.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
And so, Haru is in a world of her own when the real one comes crashing in (and, in the space of her sky-high fantasy, crashing down), taking both Luis and her passion for dancing from her in a split second.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for split-second
Adjective
Anyone familiar with racing — or shows like Drive to Survive, where stories pivot on split-second twists of fate — knows how quickly fortunes can crash and burn.
—Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026
Alcaraz raised his arms to the skies and as the crowd erupted, the long flight of Zverev’s shot giving them an extra split-second to raise their voices to a crescendo.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
About three seconds after the person has fallen to the ground, a second police vehicle enters the frame at high speed and drives over the person, a split second after they can be seen moving on the ground.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
And so, Haru is in a world of her own when the real one comes crashing in (and, in the space of her sky-high fantasy, crashing down), taking both Luis and her passion for dancing from her in a split second.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for split-second
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second
Adjective
-
Not every match is instantaneous, but countless adopters describe that immediate spark that turns into a lifelong bond.—
Cathy M. Rosenthal,
San Antonio Express-News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The partnership delivered near instantaneous results.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Less than 20 minutes later, the flames had spread to the nearby wilderness and more units were called in to respond to the growing brush fire on the north side of the highway, county officials said.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
16 Feb. 2026
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The concierge team can assist guests in arranging appointments at Cure Spa (five-minute drive away), as well as personal training sessions, daily gym passes, or group workout classes at Advantage Personal Training (an eight-minute drive away).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Horizontal and diagonal cracks require immediate attention from a structural engineer.—
Jessica Elliott,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
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Feeling lightheaded or passing out can signal a very serious pulmonary embolism and requires immediate attention.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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That was Wembanyama, who had 14 points, six rebounds and three blocks in the World’s first loss and 19 points – including a pair of clutch 3-pointers – in its second.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Oc Register,
16 Feb. 2026
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Byron Nelson’s Marli Denmark defeated Rockwall’s Madison Fitzgerald in the girls Class 6A 140-pound bracket with a fall in just 57 seconds to claim an individual state title.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Easily made flourless, and enhanced by the addition of instant espresso powder, chocolate cookies are versatile in much the same way sugar cookies are.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Rubs and scrubs are powerfully restorative and facials using ESPA and 111 Skin products have instant effects.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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And while their steamy, sweaty dalliances are hot and heavy (albeit mostly clothed), most swoonworthy are the smaller moments, like Heathcliff gently cupping his hands to keep the rain out of Cathy’s eyes.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
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Writing is taking moments in time and recording them.—
Daisy Jones,
Vogue,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The heartbeat of Teton Village, the resort is flanked by high-end hotels with thoughtful ski amenities—the in-suite boot warmers at Caldera House are a classy touch—ski shops, and restaurants.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Feb. 2026
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House music thumped in the background like the heartbeat of a menacing jungle cat.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split-second. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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