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
Fearing the vessel would drift back toward her son, Thomas' mother made a split-second decision to accelerate away. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026 But the second-scariest part of this opening scene comes shortly after the scene has already ended, when a split-second jump scare reveals what Katie looked like after Samara killed her. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026
Noun
Then, in a split second, his fly is gone, yanked into the depths by a rainbow. — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026 In just split seconds, a speeding car going sideways comes to a crashing stop. — Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 18 June 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 most common type is lethal in about half of patients, and death is almost instantaneous.
    — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 13 July 2026
  • When machines need to communicate with each other at near instantaneous speeds, the network becomes the make-or-break factor.
    — Ivo Ivanov, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of instantaneous
Noun
  • Croix Bethune scored a one-touch equalizer in the 52nd minute and Temwa Chawinga put the hosts ahead of the San Diego Wave with a strike in the 61st.
    — The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
  • This wasn’t just a case of a team scoring a last-minute winner, though.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2026
Definition of minute
Adjective
  • Unlike wealthy nations with the reserves and infrastructure to buffer the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, import-dependent economies are more vulnerable to immediate, cascading supply chain shocks.
    — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • In addition to the immediate danger of fire and the loss of key summer revenue, northern Minnesotans (and much of the country) is facing unhealthy to hazardous air quality conditions.
    — Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 16 July 2026
Definition of immediate
Noun
  • As the final seconds ticked down on Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win over a valiant Argentina and the referee blew his whistle, one could be forgiven for their mind once again slipping to memories of La Roja’s maiden World Cup victory.
    — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • To place a Roomba into Ship mode, hold down the Home button for 10 seconds.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 20 July 2026
Definition of second
Adjective
  • Their descent into anarchy was a slow burn, rather than instant ignition.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Pop these on, plug them into your phone or laptop, and boom – an instant giant display for your eyes only.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 July 2026
Definition of instant
Noun
  • The countdown clock is ticking, and both Lestat the vampire and Lestat the TV season are frittering away their last moments on restating the facts.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • Eyewear is enjoying its moment in the fashion spotlight, attracting consumers in search of self-expression as much as optical support.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 20 July 2026
Definition of moment
Noun
  • It can be treated effectively with antibiotics, particularly when caught early, but can cause longer-term problems including arthritis, severe headaches and irregular heartbeat if not.
    — Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • Fery, a virtually unknown British wild card with a triple-digit ranking, has become the emotional heartbeat of Wimbledon while legitimately diverting some national attention from England’s World Cup quest.
    — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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