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
Smith reached for the catch, his foot straying from the plate for a perilous split-second before landing just in time. Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026 Athletes should never have to make a split-second decision between following a pace vehicle or trusting the official course. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Noun
Judges score the flips and spins, including pretzel-like shapes with skis splayed or crossed, before the skiers pull up at the last split second and slam skis-first into the landing area, kicking up a spray of snow. ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026 That split second is paramount during competition because when everyone is strong and skilled, a moment of hesitation can separate gold from silver. Eric Yttri, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for split-second
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second
Adjective
  • Seimetz’s icy chemistry with Infiniti is instantaneous and surprisingly light on its feet, reflective of the show as a whole despite the heavy themes.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Access to the classical studies is now instantaneous; literature, science, art, philosophy, mathematics, and history, humanity’s entire corpus of information, is available in the comfort of your home.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Seven stacks of tiny paper cups were arranged to the left, next to packets of Nescafé, pouches of two-minute noodles, and a double gas burner connected to the cylinder—the main tool of his trade.
    Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The dinky port town of Antiparos, with a strip of cute shops, cafes, and unpretentious restaurants, is a ten-minute drive.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Smoke from the Jumping Branch fire has spread for miles, prompting warnings for drivers to avoid parts of NC 80, as well as a Temporary Flight Restriction in the immediate area, McDowell County 911 reports.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Matches without goals triggered texts to Garden requesting immediate Wyscout Zoom sessions.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Johnson returned to the fund for a clean second, before things went sideways again in the third, starting with a Nico Hoerner homer.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Johnson responded in the second by matching Miles’ production with back-to-back 3s to put the Gamecocks ahead 33-26.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The touching moment was shared on the TikTok account @rosiethestaffygirl, capturing the instant Rosie—a Staffordshire bull terrier rescue—worked up the nerve to confront something that had clearly been troubling her.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The prompt produces instant beverage suggestions available at shops nearby.
    John Ruwitch, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • At the same time, groups like the nonpartisan Latino Victory Project, which focuses on developing Hispanic political leadership, said this current moment should not distract from the still-ongoing civil rights battles.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • But for me, at least, the direction is neither sufficiently cohesive or detailed, in that crucial moment-by-moment way, to really pull all of these different strands together to offer much more than a chance to have fun with genre stereotypes or relive a favorite movie.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Such hair-thin probes can measure heartbeat, oxygen saturation and temperature in real time.
    Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Catheterization is used to look for structural issues that could cause conditions like clogged arteries, irregular heartbeat and pulmonary hypertension.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 25 Mar. 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 4 Apr. 2026.

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