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
When incidents such as this happen, law enforcement officers often say these are split-second decisions. Jonah Kaplan, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026 That split-second decision is exactly what attackers are counting on. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
That split second of trust is exactly what attackers rely on. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026 In a game where a split second can be the difference between a scoring chance and a dead play, that skill is critical. Arpon Basu, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for split-second
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second
Adjective
  • In fact, Legend’s virtually instantaneous success on the main roster has earned the former WNBA star high praise from WWE officials, so much so that she’s expected to get a massive push in 2026.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • This cycle elapses across thousands of years—glacially slow to us but almost instantaneous on cosmic scales.
    K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Most health authorities recommend that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week and at least two days per week of muscle-strengthening activities.
    Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Miles and Marta Suarez scored 15 points each and Donovyn Hunter, whose three-pointer had tied it at 55 in the final minute, added 11 points for TCU (20-3, 8-2).
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Japanese bonds gained after a 40-year auction drew the strongest demand since March, easing immediate worries about long-term debt.
    Mia Glass, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The league is working with lawmakers in Texas, and are holding a rally in San Antonio to ask for the immediate release of Liam Ramos and his father.
    Reg Chapman, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But Texas responded with a jump shot by Booker and layups from Harmon and Carlton in a span of 37 seconds.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Rutgers star guard Tariq Francis, who already had 26 points, dribbled around half court with seconds to go.
    Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For years, Western beauty has treated skincare like a sprint—fast results, aggressive actives, instant correction.
    Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Style it as part of a gallery display, above an accent cabinet, or in a home office for an instant refresh.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • That moment showed his cheeky side — his knack for making her laugh — and their unique bond.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Pretti was being held on the ground when an officer appeared to remove a gun from Pretti's waistband just moments before another agent fired the first shot.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But at the top, with clear views of a seemingly endless horizon, Egorov told Outside that the effort was worth every heartbeat.
    Outside, Outside, 31 Jan. 2026
  • For those who monitor their caffeine intake due to health conditions, are pregnant, or have sensitivity to caffeine, consuming caffeine can cause side effects such as jitters, rapid heartbeat, or sleep disruption, per Newsweek.
    Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Jan. 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 2 Feb. 2026.

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