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.
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
Brianna Zigler,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
Arroyo’s shot at redemption came two pitches later when Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado hit a similar grounder to his left, took a split-second longer to throw the ball, took a little off of it and threw it on target to Steer at first, ending the game.
—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
14 June 2026
Antonio Ferme,
Variety,
14 June 2026
In a split second, Lou (Malcolm May) shoves the would-be shooter, whose gun accidentally goes off, but the bullets go in a different direction.
—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for split-second
Adjective
But the second-scariest part of this opening scene comes shortly after the scene has already ended, when a split-second jump scare reveals what Katie looked like after Samara killed her.
—
Brianna Zigler,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
Arroyo’s shot at redemption came two pitches later when Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado hit a similar grounder to his left, took a split-second longer to throw the ball, took a little off of it and threw it on target to Steer at first, ending the game.
—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
14 June 2026
Noun
For a split second, the celebration froze.
—
Antonio Ferme,
Variety,
14 June 2026
In a split second, Lou (Malcolm May) shoves the would-be shooter, whose gun accidentally goes off, but the bullets go in a different direction.
—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for split-second
Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second
Adjective
-
This automates the quality assurance process, replacing slow manual review with instantaneous digital flows.
-
With the craft's communications failing within the first two hours, the submersible imploded upon descent, resulting in their instantaneous deaths.
Noun
-
And when Cape Verde’s Deroy Duarte evened the score with a right footed shot from a difficult angle at the 59-minute mark, the stunned stadium went silent, minus two small spirited clots of Cape Verde fans in the East end zone seats.
-
Niehues fired home the rebound for the opening goal in the 36th minute.
Adjective
-
The report's authors said the case highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical evaluation after any direct contact with a bat, even if there is no visible bite or scratch.
-
The tang of the sauce was eye-widening and immediate, crackling with the bright, citrusy charge of tomatillos and serrano chiles.
Noun
-
In Saturday’s 79-76 victory over the Nets, Acuff scored 25 points and Clifford hit a game-winning 3-pointer with five seconds remaining.
-
Bellingham scored two goals 98 seconds apart in the first half, and six minutes after Jarell Quansah was sent off, Kane converted a penalty to restore England’s two-goal lead.
Adjective
-
That one phrase tries to create an instant emotional connection.
-
The recipe leans on instant pudding mix and strawberry gelatin to keep things extra effortless.
Noun
-
Instead, Alfonzo’s first appearance, the culmination of nine tireless years, was somber , stricken by the grief overshadowing what should’ve been a joyous moment in the Dodgers’ to the Padres.
-
With three Japanese players around him, the decision to immediately engage during such a transitional moment was incorrect.
Noun
-
Symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
-
The report listed the probable cause of death as an abnormal heartbeat tied to an underlying condition, systemic sarcoidosis.
Cite this Entry
“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split-second. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
