split-second 1 of 2

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

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
When incidents such as this happen, law enforcement officers often say these are split-second decisions. Jonah Kaplan, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026 That split-second decision is exactly what attackers are counting on. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
About three seconds after the person has fallen to the ground, a second police vehicle enters the frame at high speed and drives over the person, a split second after they can be seen moving on the ground. Jason Green, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026 That split second of trust is exactly what attackers rely on. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for split-second
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second
Adjective
  • The almost instantaneous virality from TikTok and the growing amount of collaborations with artists like Metro Boomin and Justin Bieber soon cemented Toliver as a mainstay in the genre.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The familiarity was instantaneous.
    Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Most health authorities recommend that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week and at least two days per week of muscle-strengthening activities.
    Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Miles and Marta Suarez scored 15 points each and Donovyn Hunter, whose three-pointer had tied it at 55 in the final minute, added 11 points for TCU (20-3, 8-2).
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • No official confirmation has been issued by Libyan authorities, and there has been no immediate comment from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has long sought the younger Gadhafi’s arrest on charges of crimes against humanity.
    Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Migliano said his estimates were calculated using the NetBlocks COST tool, an economic model that measures the immediate impact on a nation’s gross domestic product when its digital economy is forced offline.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But Texas responded with a jump shot by Booker and layups from Harmon and Carlton in a span of 37 seconds.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Rutgers star guard Tariq Francis, who already had 26 points, dribbled around half court with seconds to go.
    Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For years, Western beauty has treated skincare like a sprint—fast results, aggressive actives, instant correction.
    Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Style it as part of a gallery display, above an accent cabinet, or in a home office for an instant refresh.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • That moment showed his cheeky side — his knack for making her laugh — and their unique bond.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Pretti was being held on the ground when an officer appeared to remove a gun from Pretti's waistband just moments before another agent fired the first shot.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But at the top, with clear views of a seemingly endless horizon, Egorov told Outside that the effort was worth every heartbeat.
    Outside, Outside, 31 Jan. 2026
  • For those who monitor their caffeine intake due to health conditions, are pregnant, or have sensitivity to caffeine, consuming caffeine can cause side effects such as jitters, rapid heartbeat, or sleep disruption, per Newsweek.
    Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split-second. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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