split-second 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsplit-ˈse-kənd How to pronounce split-second (audio)
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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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

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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
Each robot must independently interpret ball position and goalkeeper movement before committing to a strike, making split-second corrections based on sensor feedback. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026 Scammers count on that split-second panic. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
Noun
Yes, the teenager hasn’t impressed as much as other superstars at this tournament, but that could change in a split second. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 10 July 2026 Every baseball game has multiple turning points — times when a swing being a split second sooner or a fraction of an inch higher could change everything. — C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for split-second
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second
  1. instantaneous
  2. minute
  3. immediate
  4. second
  5. instant
  6. moment
  7. heartbeat
Adjective
  • The curse is that hundreds of LEO satellites are required to reliably provide near-instantaneous location and timing services across the entire world.
    — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026
  • The most common type is lethal in about half of patients, and death is almost instantaneous.
    — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 13 July 2026
Definition of instantaneous
Noun
  • Bake in preheated oven, rotating pans from top to bottom halfway through, until danishes are puffed and deep golden brown, 12-15 minutes.
    — Torie Cox, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Jaylyn Sherrod also provided a spark off the bench with seven points in nine minutes.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of minute
Adjective
  • Nunez’s statement did not spell out what that meant in practice and there was no immediate response to a request from the ministry for further comment.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Officials are hopeful that the immediate areas near the stadium will be done by the middle of August, and the final configuration will be ready.
    — Mac Engel July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Definition of immediate
Noun
  • Engineered to protect hair from extreme heat, the Supersonic™ Travel uses intelligent heat control to measure temperature 100 times per second for healthier-looking, softer-feeling hair.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Alcántara gave the Cubs a 4-3 lead with his first career home run in the second, a two-out shot to left-center after Dansby Swanson walked.
    — Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of second
Adjective
  • Plum is an instant antidote to those scoring challenges, having ranked in the top 11 in scoring each of the last five seasons, peaking at second twice.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Trump’s platform is charging Wall Street traders and investment firms as much as $100,000 for nearly-instant access to the president’s Truth Social posts and any other posts on the platform, according to multiple outlets.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of instant
Noun
  • Zoom all the way out and this moment snaps into a familiar frame.
    — Michael Wee, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The last time they were seen as the full fivesome was in a brief moment after Kate completed the National Three Peaks Challenge in support of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity at the beginning of the month.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of moment
Noun
  • The latter is located in the center of the ship and truly serves as the heartbeat of Beyond.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Lawmakers and local leaders must stand up for these values and invest in the public schools that are the heartbeat of our communities.
    — Stephanie Vanos, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
Definition of heartbeat

Browse Nearby Words

splits
split-second
split second
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Cite this Entry

“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split-second. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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