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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of split-second
Eric Yttri, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
That split-second moment that lives on forever.
—Greg Echlin, NPR, 4 Feb. 2026
Eric Yttri, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
However, Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Miguel Rojas’ throw home beat the sliding Kiner-Falefa by a split second.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for split-second
Adjective
Recent research from my team and me helps explain why this split-second pause happens, offering insight not only into elite athletic performance, but also how people make everyday decisions when the potential outcome isn’t clear.
—Eric Yttri, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
That split-second moment that lives on forever.
—Greg Echlin, NPR, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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
However, Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Miguel Rojas’ throw home beat the sliding Kiner-Falefa by a split second.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for split-second
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second
Adjective
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Musicians broadly have faced mechanical and digital competition for well over a century, first from the phonograph, then the radio, and later the instantaneous on-demand technologies that emerged with the internet and Spotify.—
Adam Ozimek,
The Atlantic,
11 Mar. 2026
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Jacquemus + Nike After instantaneous success in September 2025 with the Moon Shoe’s first relaunch, Jacquemus + Nike is back for round two with a campaign fronted by Solange.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Current, winners of the NWSL Shield last season, had several more offensive chances than the Stars and put a shot on goal in the first minute of the game.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Mar. 2026
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Coming together in just 30 minutes, this dinner can sidestep cutlery entirely in favor of warm pieces of torn pita.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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There was no immediate confirmation from Iran, where little information has been coming out due to internet outages, round-the-clock airstrikes and tight restrictions on journalists.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
18 Mar. 2026
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Stratton called for an immediate increase to $25 an hour — a position her opponents, who supported a gradual increase to $17 per hour, said reflected naivety and a lack of Washington experience.—
Dan Petrella,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Add 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped, and cook, stirring, until just fragrant, about 15 seconds.—
Inés Anguiano,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
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Fouled on the rebound, sophomore Isaiah Brown, a reserve guard from Orlando, hit his second of two free throws for a 72-70 lead with eight seconds to go.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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To recreate the trend in real life, look for pieces with feather trim like this CeCe dress that adds instant drama to a simple silhouette.—
Casey DelBasso,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2026
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Over the course of combat, players will see their gun meter fill up, and when there’s enough firepower, REACH can fire at an enemy for an instant kill.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Forty-one minutes later, her pacemaker application disconnected from her phone, marking the precise moment an 84-year-old woman who could not walk 50 yards without help was ripped from her bed.—
Neal K. Shah,
Boston Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
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As the vast landscape spread out below, filled with roaming herds and golden hues, our guest popped the question—creating a moment both magical and unforgettable.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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At its best, the music’s blackout-drunk thump-thump functions more like an anxious heartbeat.—
Pitchfork,
Pitchfork,
20 Mar. 2026
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Volunteers keep showing up Inside the warehouse in Dallas, the heartbeat of the operation is a group of retirees who show up every Wednesday.—
Abraham Nudelstejer,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split-second. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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