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

Tommy DeVito’s back-shoulder throw arrived a split-second later. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 30 July 2026 If the business genuinely needs split-second freshness on individual records and heavy analytics, forcing both onto one platform can compromise performance and inflate costs—two specialized systems may be cheaper long term. — Kevin Mathrani, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Noun

Rispoli seemed not totally aware of what happened in the split seconds before the start of the San Diego Handicap. — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026 But the real challenge – and the reason no bird-scale robot has managed this leap before – is the split second in between, when the robot has to shove itself out of the water with nothing but its wings. — New Atlas, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for split-second

Recent Examples of Synonyms for split-second

Adjective

But his son went to meet Kaya, and the connection was almost instantaneous.

— Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026
And all have been just as vulnerable to the near-instantaneous bootlegging.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of instantaneous

Noun

The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Finally, after about four minutes of confusion, Marine One and the tower make contact.

— Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of minute

Adjective

His best explanations for this are pressure from shareholders to prioritize immediate returns over long-term investments, and years of obsession with digital that came at the expense of physical retail.

— Hilary Milnes, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
These models predict what the fuel will do in the immediate future.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of immediate

Adjective

This piece argues critical thinking was built for reflection and human opponents, not for fluent, instant AI output.

— Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Another really handy feature that XTU has included is a magnetic instant snap-in magnetic mount, which locks in securely to the bottom of the camera allowing for it to be mounted in various ways – selfie stick, tripod, dashcam or on a helmet.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of instant

Noun

There’s also been lots of moments to dress up for too, with megawatt tours from Harry Styles, Ariana Grande, and Zara Larsson; maximalist pop stars with fans eager to follow their lead in sequins and ties, hibiscus flowers in hair.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
First, Mary Carillo, the former player and trailblazing broadcaster and journalist, had her moment.

— Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of moment

Noun

The baby was born with a heartbeat but was not breathing, the couple told the Atlantic, and did not survive.

— Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
Davis, his wife and kids painted the picture of a family that had deep, meaningful connections to the heartbeat of this burgeoning southern metropolis in NASCAR country that, like so many cities, places its sports stars on a pedestal.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of split-second

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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