SPLIT SECOND Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

split-second 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsplit-ˈse-kənd

Definition of split-second

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

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

The split-second delay between hitting send and receiving the delivery confirmation is known as the Round-Trip Time (RTT)—and that tiny gap is where the vulnerability lies. — Justyn Newman, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026 The Triple Split was the first, and remains the only, split-second chronograph in the world that can measure intermediate, comparative, and total times of events for as long as 12 hours. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2026

Noun

Clutching an aerial hoop on a Johannesburg circus stage, a young performer pauses for a split second before launching into the air and gliding, drawing cheers from the crowd below. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026 In the days leading up to Saturday’s game against the Saints, Bennett and Simpson split second-team reps during the teams’ joint practice. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for split-second

Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second

Adjective

The system effectively turns every step into an instantaneous electrochemical generator.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2026
Back then, subcultures had time to grow deep community roots away from an instantaneous online audience.

— Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of instantaneous

Noun

Over the record’s 33 minutes, Holden delivers an outstanding addition to his catalog that’s as absorbing and realist as any rap album this year.

— Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
The nearly six-minute film shows how the team combines precision machining, assembly, and repair to accelerate robot development.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of minute

Adjective

Maintaining command-and-control links matters when troops rely on aerial sensors to gather information beyond their immediate positions.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Fire officials were most concerned with keeping the blaze north of Encinal Canyon Road, one of the few natural firebreaks in the immediate area.

— Tom Tapp, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of immediate

Noun

The ability for anyone to generate strategy, code, or creative work in seconds effectively filled in the moats built on blitzscaling overnight.

— Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
But, the heartbreak would come sneaking around the bend over what might be the wildest 20 seconds of recent Big Ten memory, thanks to the insane final few minutes.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of second

Adjective

This is not nostalgia but a signal that in a world of instant everything, doing something slowly and well has become its own form of rebellion, and its own form of value.

— Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
The tablet takes a good 20 to 30 seconds to boot up from that state, which is a nuisance compared with the instant wake-up from sleep mode.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of instant

Noun

Catch up on breaking news, exclusive interviews, political analysis, original reporting, and standout moments — all in one place, every week.

— Washington Examiner, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2026
These are but moments in an auteur’s widescreen epic that never sits still.

— Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of moment

Noun

Focusing on something introspective, such as breath, heartbeat or a growing and shrinking dot, can induce a near-hypnotic state that clears the mind.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Focusing on something introspective, like your breath, your heartbeat or a growing and shrinking dot, can induce an almost hypnotic state that clears the mind.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of heartbeat

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splits

split-second

split second

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/split-second. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of split-second

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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