as in minutes
a very small space of time
a devastating accident can cause everything in your life to change in a split second
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Recent Examples of split seconds
In just split seconds, a speeding car going sideways comes to a crashing stop.
—
Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 18 June 2026
The brain must calculate angles in split seconds.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 20 May 2026
When addressing the costly turnovers, like the fourth-quarter interception that put the Bills in position to seal the 31-21 win, Tagovailoa points out those decisions are made in split seconds.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 18 June 2026
The brain must calculate angles in split seconds.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 20 May 2026
When addressing the costly turnovers, like the fourth-quarter interception that put the Bills in position to seal the 31-21 win, Tagovailoa points out those decisions are made in split seconds.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split seconds
Noun
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Unlike standard eye drops that get washed away by tears within minutes, living eye drops use bacteria that colonize the eye and continuously release therapeutic proteins after a single application.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
16 June 2026
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The lawsuit, filed on Saturday in the Central District of California, claims that the supermodel turned media personality participated in a 3½-hour interview, of which about 16 minutes was used.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
Noun
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For perpetrators, upskirting is a crime committed in seconds, often unnoticed.—
Hanako Montgomery,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
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The Hawks sent their 2030 second-round pick, as well as the least favorable of the Hawks’ and the Lakers’ seconds in 2032.—
Lauren Williams,
AJC.com,
22 June 2026
Noun
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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
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Parents stood with children draped in Algerian flags while groups of young adults posed for photos and older supporters shared memories of previous World Cups and historic national team moments.—
J.M. Banks
June 15,
Kansas City Star,
16 June 2026
Noun
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According to the medical records, the former pro wrestler had a history of leukemia and atrial fibrillation, a common disorder that causes irregular heartbeats.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 June 2026
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For Bourland and Turner, caring for these 328 heartbeats is a calling.—
Bo Evans,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Split seconds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split%20seconds. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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