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

Poorer sleep and longer shifts were associated with reduced cognitive function, which can affect a firefighter’s ability to make split-second calls, such as when to retreat from an escalating fire. — Julian L. Gallegos, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Trump’s Truth Social is launching a premium ‘Truth API’ that sells Wall Street traders split-second early access to his market-moving posts, stoking new criticisms of insider trading and self-enrichment in the Oval Office. — Bernard Condon, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 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

During the test, the laser did not appear as a long continuous light but rather an invisible almost instantaneous heat beam that hit precise points on the drone.

— Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026
The impression from their new arrival was instantaneous, and helped Everton to a draw that feels worth far more than a solitary point against a middling United side.

— Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of instantaneous

Noun

De La Cruz grew up in the rural town of Las Minas, about a 30-minute drive from the heart of Havana, the Cuban capital.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026
City were not exactly under the cosh at the end, but Guardiola spent the final few minutes signalling to his side to go to five at the back, with Fernando dropping in from midfield.

— Sam Lee, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of minute

Adjective

McDermott’s successor, Joe Brady, takes on an immediate Super Bowl mandate for a franchise that’s been so close so often.

— Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
My feeling was that a monologue could seem immediate, more enjoyable and readable than a straightforward play with multiple characters, additional stage directions, etc.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of immediate

Noun

Ole Miss moves into the top 10 for its last-second win against another top-25 opponent in Louisville.

— Chris Vannini, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Senior receiver Mikey Matthews made a significant contribution, catching four passes for 88 yards, including a deep ball with 13 seconds left at the end of the first half that allowed UCLA to kick a field goal and take a seven-point lead.

— Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of second

Adjective

The patented multi-panel high-rise waistband technology in the leggings boosts muscle memory in core, glutes, and spine for instant alignment, stability, support and pain relief.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
In practice, though, victims of instant-payment fraud often recover little.

— Pawan Jain, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of instant

Noun

Gizelle, who has been stirring the pot and playing producer for everyone on the trip, keeps up her conniving ways by sitting down all the RHOP ladies except for Candiace during their Potomac retrospective moment at the party.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
That’s a margin-for-error lesson, a moment that may continue to burn for a while.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of moment

Noun

The game has a heartbeat that’s going to ask something of you in every situation and José’s gotten to that point.

— C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Commander John Young made his fifth and final trip to space at age 50, with a heartbeat of 75 to 80 beats a minute, while first-time flier Bob Crippen, 43, had a heartbeat pulsed at 130 beats per minute.

— Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of heartbeat

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split-second

split second

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Style

“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split-second. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of split-second

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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