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
Greg Echlin, NPR, 4 Feb. 2026
While official accounts and bystander videos of the Saturday shooting at 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue offer conflicting narratives about the split-second escalation, the outcome highlights the extreme physical risk of inserting oneself into the immediate perimeter of armed agents.
—Christina Buttons, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
For a split second, my hearing went numb.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for split-second
Adjective
That split-second moment that lives on forever.
—Greg Echlin, NPR, 4 Feb. 2026
While official accounts and bystander videos of the Saturday shooting at 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue offer conflicting narratives about the split-second escalation, the outcome highlights the extreme physical risk of inserting oneself into the immediate perimeter of armed agents.
—Christina Buttons, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
That kid gets one shot to make that play and make a split second decision against some of the best athletes in the world.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
For a split second, my hearing went numb.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for split-second
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second
Adjective
-
Transcription services have already made a formerly tedious process instantaneous, allowing reporters to process more information and get stories out quicker.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
4 Mar. 2026
-
France tapped his helmet, indicating a challenge, and a near-instantaneous replay on the video board showed the ball passed 1/10th of an inch outside the strike zone.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Kenyan Priscah Cherono took the lead immediately in the women’s race and was already two minutes ahead of the chase pack by the ninth mile.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Alternatively, fly into Johannesburg and connect to Polokwane, where the lodge arranges a 90-minute road transfer.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
And for now, the potential economic effects of war in the Middle East are a more immediate concern than longer-term effects from AI.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
-
With their songs, colors, and variety, birds enrich our lives … and recent studies show that their immediate presence actually increases our well-being and happiness and can even prolong our lives!—
Seth Borenstein,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Tommy Novak scored 17 seconds into overtime to complete a wild comeback in the Pittsburgh Penguins' 5-4 victory over the Boston Bruins on Sunday.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Smart led that effort with a game-high plus-27 in 29 minutes and 17 seconds.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But Asghar says wearable gadgets can potentially handle some tasks more efficiently than a phone, like instant translations during a conversation.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
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The luxury lip balm is formulated to provide long-lasting moisturization for instant relief and lips that stay soft and hydrated all day long.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The death of medieval theocratic dictator of Iran Ayatollah Khamenei--a diabolical fanatic who pursued nuclear weapons--is a moment of celebration.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Mar. 2026
-
In one of the night’s most intense moments, the often glib Seth Rogen took the stage to accept the late Catherine O’Hara’s award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series.—
Eve Batey,
Vanity Fair,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The lobby, with its bar, vintage photo booth, and live event space, acts as the hotel’s social heartbeat with loads of good company.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Mar. 2026
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The potential serious risks of NAD+ injections include infections at the injection site, nerve damage, and unpredictable side effects such as nausea, rapid heartbeat, chills and vomiting, federal regulators say.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split-second. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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