split-second 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsplit-ˈse-kənd How to pronounce split-second (audio)
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

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
Rodriguez turning his brain off for a split second in a game that was long, long over is somewhat forgivable. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026 That direct link gives Wall Street a leg up over retail traders by delivering Truth Social posts split seconds faster than the public sees them. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for split-second
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second
  1. instantaneous
  2. minute
  3. immediate
  4. second
  5. instant
  6. moment
  7. heartbeat
Adjective
  • And in the interior of a cell, decoherence should be basically instantaneous — quantumness shouldn’t survive long enough in such an environment to have any bearing on biology.
    — Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The standard 80% of financial advice—such as whether to invest or pay off debt, how much money to set aside for emergencies or if a purchase will interfere with a savings goal—becomes instantaneous, free and accessible to anybody with a smartphone.
    — Antoine Sallis, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of instantaneous
Noun
  • Westport proper is a 10-or-so-minute drive away for shopping and strolling.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Both in jeans and black blazers, Ellison and Kreiz fielded questions from the national press for nearly 30 minutes on the lot’s Stage 3.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of minute
Adjective
  • The immediate focus is on joint development, testing, and demonstration.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Bystander videos and photos posted by on social media showed a man sitting on the ground with his hands behind his back, in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
    — Philip Marcelo, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of immediate
Noun
  • The first attack, officials said, targeted the airport's facilities, while the second aimed at an aircraft belonging to Saudi carrier Saudia.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
  • If the first season is about solitude, the second is about the end of love — what happens when two people sleep separately, still care for one another, but are no longer in love.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of second
Adjective
  • On the beach, wireless call buttons for instant service are a welcome touch.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Overnight oats, Greek yogurt bowls, mug omelets and instant oatmeal all work with only a mini fridge and microwave.
    — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of instant
Noun
  • From its opening moments, Zoe Kazan’s epic, sprawling Netflix adaptation of John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel, East of Eden, announces that the monstrous Cathy Ames (played by Florence Pugh) is the true center of the story.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • There are these hybrid opportunities to cross-pollinate our incredible products, as well as big moments happening in culture.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of moment
Noun
  • Gabe wears a bracelet containing some of her final heartbeats and her fingerprint.
    — Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Hope still has a heartbeat, but that grows fainter by the loss.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of heartbeat

Browse Nearby Words

splits
split-second
split second
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Cite this Entry

“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split-second. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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