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

Rispoli seemed not totally aware of what happened in the split seconds before the start of the San Diego Handicap. — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for split-second

Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second

Adjective

The effects feel nearly instantaneous thanks to the addition of cica, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter, which results in a calm, cooling sensation.

— Mary Honkus, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of instantaneous

Noun

Chen popped in a 30-foot 3-pointer with a minute remaining to give the Valkyries a three-point lead, and then kept the advantage at three with a slick layup over a contest after Chicago scored.

— Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
Less than a 10-minute drive away is Castellammare del Golfo, full of eateries, stores, and bars.

— Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of minute

Noun

The crucial testimony centered on exactly what happened during the final few seconds of Cantu’s life.

— Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
Mostly, the cast comes across as a group of friends and co-workers trying to produce comedy together, while fully aware that winning Game Changer just means getting two seconds of celebration and a gag prize.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of second

Adjective

Self Simulated is an obstacle-course platformer that recalls Super Meat Boy, but it's held back by controls that aren't nearly as tight and frustratingly large instant-kill hit boxes.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 22 Aug. 2026
Things changed — and quickly — in the sixth inning as the Sox displayed their ability for instant offense.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of instant

Noun

That may still be the case in the coming weeks, but the second episode of HBO’s Lanterns makes for a fairly solid (if simple and straightforward) follow-up with some wildly entertaining moments.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
When Conforto returned to Williamsport with the Mets in 2018, all those moments came rushing back.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of moment

Noun

Bruno Guimaraes was Newcastle’s heartbeat and captain, Kieran Trippier set standards, Anthony Gordon led Howe’s press and chipped in with goals, and, at his best, Sandro Tonali was a midfield scanner supreme.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
When the reality star was just three months along, she and Barker were informed that their baby no longer had a heartbeat during a doctor’s appointment.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 15 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of split-second

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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