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
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
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Recent Examples of split-second
Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Lunging in desperation, his left boot connected with the ball a split-second after Van Dijk made contact — a goal-saving challenge if ever there was one — and a release of energy and emotion followed, as well as a kiss from his goalkeeper.
—Stuart James, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
In that split second Mara peeled to his right, curling around Avila for the easy lay in.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for split-second
Adjective
The system was developed by Sony’s AI research division and is believed to be the first robot to reach that level in a sport requiring split-second decisions, hand-eye coordination and precision movement.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Lunging in desperation, his left boot connected with the ball a split-second after Van Dijk made contact — a goal-saving challenge if ever there was one — and a release of energy and emotion followed, as well as a kiss from his goalkeeper.
—Stuart James, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
The ten seconds that led to the Braylon Mullins’ miracle shot were a series of reflex plays, reactions, the ultimate in instincts taking over, living in the split second, rather than in the moment.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
In that split second Mara peeled to his right, curling around Avila for the easy lay in.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for split-second
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second
Adjective
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Loading media is virtually instantaneous on the Fire TV Stick HD.—
Will Greenwald,
PC Magazine,
29 Apr. 2026
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During back flushes, the valve is never opened more than halfway; this allows for an instantaneous flow rate of no more than 27 gpm.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In preparation for the Alaskan wilderness, the Hoffmans and their crew shop for bear guns, bid their wives farewell, and are prayed over by a local pastor (who decides, at the last minute, to join them).—
Jennifer Wilson,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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With the game tied 1-1 heading into the final nine minutes, Vasilevskiy fought off Lane Hutson’s wrister from the top of the left circle with his blocker, sending the puck high in the air and hard off the end boards.—
Eduardo A. Encina,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 May 2026
Adjective
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The race came amid a broader power struggle between the two sides of City Hall early in both Mamdani and Menin’s leadership, but the election will also have a more immediate impact.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
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No immediate impact likely for world oil markets The UAE’s withdrawal from OPEC won’t necessarily have any immediate effects in markets.—
Jon Gambrell,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Within seconds of the Yankees recording the final out of Monday’s 12-1 win over the Orioles, John Sterling’s signature victory call bellowed from Yankee Stadium’s speakers.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
5 May 2026
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With an inventory of over 3 million hotels in over 200 countries, Travelocity can help narrow down the best possible accommodations for you within seconds.—
Paris Wilson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 May 2026
Adjective
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Silver coins are more liquid than bars because of their instant recognition from a government mint, as long as the condition of the coins is good.—
Amy DeYoung,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
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The charges, filed with the National Labor Relations Board, stem from the layoff or termination of all workers in the instant charge and group sales and subscription departments, the union said.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
4 May 2026
Noun
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Rihanna, draped in gunmetal Margiela couture, created yet another Met moment, a year after debuting her baby bump on the carpet (her second time doing so, with her third child Rocki).—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
5 May 2026
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The prosecution showed the jurors chilling video and audio evidence that included Athena’s last moments after Horner lured her inside the FedEx van.—
Amy McDaniel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 May 2026
Noun
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McKenzie Milton was the heartbeat of the Knights’ undefeated 2017 season and, after injuries derailed his playing career, transitioned to the sideline.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
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The high-tech device can bring a patient with no heartbeat back to life.—
Ricky Sayer,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split-second. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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