SPLIT SECOND Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

split-second 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsplit-ˈse-kənd

Definition of split-second

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

split second

2 of 2

noun

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

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

Poorer sleep and longer shifts were associated with reduced cognitive function, which can affect a firefighter’s ability to make split-second calls, such as when to retreat from an escalating fire. — Julian L. Gallegos, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Trump’s Truth Social is launching a premium ‘Truth API’ that sells Wall Street traders split-second early access to his market-moving posts, stoking new criticisms of insider trading and self-enrichment in the Oval Office. — Bernard Condon, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Noun

That direct link gives Wall Street a leg up over retail traders by delivering Truth Social posts split seconds faster than the public sees them. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026 The moment the ride paused at the top — the very split second of anticipation before the drop — was equally fantastic, and worth a return trip. — Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for split-second

Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second

Adjective

Lauletta and team have ambitions to achieve a rare feat in the sport — building a brand big enough to generate instantaneous recognition beyond the NASCAR bubble.

— Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
While the near synchronicity of the worldwide foram flips might seem puzzling, Darling and Ujiié pointed out that what appears instantaneous in the fossil record might unfold over 1,000 years or more in real time.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of instantaneous

Adjective

The view here is that Russini’s lack of honesty with both her employers and readers, in the immediate aftermath of the publishing of the Arizona resort photos, was nearly as egregious as growing too close to a source.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026
With sequels in the Batman and Superman franchises on the horizon, a DC team-up between the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel doesn’t seem to be in the immediate future.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of immediate

Noun

The Tigers pulled to within a point with 23 seconds left in the game after Tre Nichols escaped a trio of would-be tacklers and lofted a 67-yard touchdown pass to Carter McElhany.

— Erick Taylor, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
The senior receiver made a game-winning, one-handed catch on fourth-and-goal for the Eagles in the closing seconds — and much to the delight of senior quarterback Sean Ruisz.

— Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of second

Adjective

The audience becomes a training environment, available to provide instant feedback to anything a creator publishes.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
But the instant chemistry Brady Tkachuk showed on Florida’s top line with Barkov and Sam Reinhart is something that will be paramount to a bounceback season after the Panthers missed the playoffs in an injury-riddled 2025-26 campaign.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of instant

Noun

There will be moments when someone looks toward the door expecting to see that smile, that wave, or that familiar face coming in to say hello.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Terracotta Simpson believes that, while dark, traditionally neutral tones have had their moment, earth tones are likely to become more popular in 2027.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of moment

Noun

With each heartbeat, the amount of blood flowing through the vessels in your wrist changes.

— Jason Kostrna, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026
After researching her options and speaking with her doctors, Hills eventually underwent a surgical procedure to treat her irregular heartbeat.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of heartbeat

Browse Nearby Words

splits

split-second

split second

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split-second. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of split-second

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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