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

Rodriguez turning his brain off for a split second in a game that was long, long over is somewhat forgivable. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for split-second

Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second

Adjective

And in the interior of a cell, decoherence should be basically instantaneous — quantumness shouldn’t survive long enough in such an environment to have any bearing on biology.

— Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026
The standard 80% of financial advice—such as whether to invest or pay off debt, how much money to set aside for emergencies or if a purchase will interfere with a savings goal—becomes instantaneous, free and accessible to anybody with a smartphone.

— Antoine Sallis, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of instantaneous

Noun

Along with return airport transfers, VIP airport assistance, 30-minute photo sessions, daily wellness activities, Balinese house visits, private melukat purification ceremonies, and jamu-making classes are all complimentary.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
Just minutes later, Meyer transferred $10,000 from a fund account containing only investor money to the Meyer Global Partners account.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of minute

Adjective

All game long Wednesday, the Washington Mystics were trying to claw back against the Atlanta Dream after falling into an immediate hole.

— Jake Kauderer, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026
The immediate test is converting orders into shipments, revenue, and cash flow.

— Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of immediate

Noun

Jurors repeatedly reviewed surveillance video capturing the hours, minutes and seconds leading to the shooting before ultimately deadlocking on the homicide charges.

— Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
The ancient Egyptian city will experience an extraordinary 6 minutes 23 seconds of totality, close to the longest possible anywhere on Earth that day.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of second

Noun

But moments before the nosedive, passengers seated near the front of the plane heard sounds of a fight inside the cockpit, said passenger Daniel Schlichter, who was seated in the second row.

— SAM MEDNICK, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
Their model links the ytterbium moments with the directionally fluctuating manganese spins.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of moment

Noun

People with sleep apnea are two to five times more likely to have an irregular heartbeat.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026
Among the younger adults who experienced strokes, there was an increase in hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and substance use.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of heartbeat

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splits

split-second

split second

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Style

“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split-second. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of split-second

adjective

noun

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