split-second 1 of 2

Definition of split-secondnext
as in instantaneous
done or occurring without any noticeable lapse in time a day trader who is used to making split-second decisions

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split second

2 of 2

noun

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of split-second
Adjective
That split-second judgment is often what separates the podium from the wall. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 When Aleppo fell in late November, in part due to that tunnel operation that cut off the regime's supply lines, the rebel groups made a split-second decision to continue the offensive. Emily Feng, NPR, 17 May 2026
Noun
In a split second, an executive in New York can be on a call with another leader in Singapore. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 The brain must calculate angles in split seconds. Alec Lewis, New York Times, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for split-second
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second
Adjective
  • With the craft's communications failing within the first two hours, the submersible imploded upon descent, resulting in their instantaneous deaths.
    Dan Snierson, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026
  • Speaking of which, when news broke Friday that much of the team’s equipment had been stolen, there was a nearly instantaneous social media ridiculing of the city.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Vegas pulled Carter Hart with about three minutes to go, officially entering desperation mode, but nothing worked, and Nikolaj Ehlers scored an empty-netter to start the party.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
  • The administration filed a last-minute request to stay the judge's injunction pending their appeal, but it was ultimately rejected.
    Emma Nicholson, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Whoever wins the nomination will face an immediate campaign finance gap and depend heavily on national GOP resources.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 June 2026
  • The researchers’ examples of those immediate desires include activities such as smoking, overeating, and going to the movies instead of completing a report for work.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Only seconds after taking the pitch, Romelu Lukaku made a run to the front of the net, as his teammate sent in a pass.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
  • This is the least eventful task, since taking a single photo only requires a few seconds.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • In today’s world of instant answers at your fingertips, patience is hard.
    Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 16 June 2026
  • On Wall Street, stocks of companies with big fuel bills were instant winners.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Earlier in the series, Wembanyama drew criticism for a dangerously hard foul on Brunson and was later caught on camera laughing in Mitchell Robinson's direction during a heated moment.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
  • This episode is hilarious, but it’s been so ruthlessly hacked down to giggle moments and ironic smash-cuts that important action and context are missing.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Lucy had tubes all over her body, and a nurse was trying to establish a heartbeat.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026
  • This is the most fearsome repertoire in all of pop music, and Nilles supplied its heartbeat and muscle, and most of its nuance.
    Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split-second. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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