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

If the business genuinely needs split-second freshness on individual records and heavy analytics, forcing both onto one platform can compromise performance and inflate costs—two specialized systems may be cheaper long term. — Kevin Mathrani, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 And for the Florida native, her trailblazing achievement was about far more than getting split-second decisions right in the face of online misogyny. — Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

Noun

But the real challenge – and the reason no bird-scale robot has managed this leap before – is the split second in between, when the robot has to shove itself out of the water with nothing but its wings. — New Atlas, 13 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

Adjective

Transitions between multiple devices were practically instantaneous in my testing, even when one was using LDAC and the other LC3.

— Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
Despite the internet’s capacity for instantaneous interaction, followers have proved a poor replacement for friends.

— Evan Clarkson, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of instantaneous

Noun

The benefit of different formats The average club pre-season lasts six weeks, so there is a lot to cram in — and a regular 90-minute friendly does not always allow all your players the necessary game time.

— George Edwards, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
The show’s cast and crew stopped by San Diego Comic-Con in July to release the first few minutes of Season 3, which opened with Thalia Grace battling a monster.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of minute

Adjective

Coming out of the blocks quickly again is crucial, because an immediate exit from Europe could have damaging repercussions for the rest of the season.

— Andy Naylor, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
After Manitou Springs began charging for parking, Klaver said his business there saw an immediate change.

— Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of immediate

Noun

The suit centered on a seconds-long clip of surveillance video featured in the documentary showing Andrews returning absentee ballots for himself and four family members at a drop box before the 2020 election.

— Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
That was because the player being replaced — match-winner Will Lankshear — took more than 10 seconds to depart while applauding the supporters.

— George Edwards, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of second

Adjective

This photo taken on April 21, 2025 shows a customer walking past a display of instant noodles at a branch of Japanese discount retailer Don Quijote, also known overseas as Don Don Donki, in the Shibuya district of central Tokyo.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
Set a realistic response time instead of snapping into instant availability.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of instant

Noun

Symptoms Symptoms can include sleeplessness, extreme worry about the baby or childbirth, restlessness and a racing heartbeat.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Instead, one morning in January, an informal village health practitioner came to her home and said the fetal heartbeat was slow.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of heartbeat

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 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of split-second

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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