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

Ward acknowledges the volatile nature of the job and the need to make split-second decisions. — CBS News, 5 Oct. 2026 The reminders come during back-to-school week every year, but the hair-raising video showed how a split-second decision could be the difference between life and death. — Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Noun

Clutching an aerial hoop on a Johannesburg circus stage, a young performer pauses for a split second before launching into the air and gliding, drawing cheers from the crowd below. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026 In the days leading up to Saturday’s game against the Saints, Bennett and Simpson split second-team reps during the teams’ joint practice. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for split-second

Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second

Adjective

Cameras can’t see through dense fog or measure instantaneous velocity like radar can.

— Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2026
This configuration feeds real-time grip, yaw and velocity data into a central computer, executing independent, instantaneous torque vectoring across the rear wheels.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of instantaneous

Noun

According to local media reports, employees in Area A, where the laboratory is located, were instructed to shelter in place for approximately 30 minutes.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
The ruling warns that the last-minute intervention could disenfranchise eligible voters, disrupt the midterm election and invite political meddling.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of minute

Adjective

But a staff report by the Development Review Committee noted that the building is significantly larger in mass and scale than its immediate surroundings and suggested design tweaks to reduce the massing effect.

— Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
The move has already drawn immediate and intense concern from scientists and medical professionals, who are wary that the decision will result in confusion and harm to consumers.

— Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of immediate

Noun

With 13 seconds left and third down at the Braves’ 12, Guess threw the ball up toward the end zone and Brown, his best friend since the age of 6, caught it for a touchdown.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
Eventually the inevitability of gravity brings them close enough to suddenly merge, sending out a tremendous blast of matter and energy that can outshine the sun by a factor of many billions, though just for the briefest fraction of a second.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of second

Adjective

The Thickening Therapy Collection delivers instant volume and is packed with vegan collagen and biotin to support thicker, fuller-looking hair.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
High vamps gained instant popularity earlier this year when Hailey Bieber donned Reformation’s Inez Pumps, and Kendall Jenner and Katie Holmes wore glove flats.

— Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of instant

Noun

The music as a whole seems to reflect all of this moment-to-moment action at a larger structural level, shifting from one overlapping movement to the next according to the same fractal geometry that governs the beat.

— Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026
Elle Fanning, currently embracing the gloriously eccentric wardrobe of her Hunger Games character Effie Trinket, has already delivered some spectacular millinery moments on the press tour for Sunrise on the Reaping.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of moment

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 3 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of split-second

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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