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Definitions

split second

NOUN
very short time
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blink of an eye millisecond nanosecond
WEAK
bat of an eye flash fraction of a second half a second heartbeat instant jiffy microsecond moment nothing flat twinkling
ADJECTIVE
extremely fast
Synonyms
STRONG
fast instant on-the-spot quick quick-fire rapid speedy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It all happened so fast, in a split second," Sausan recounted.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

"I do think playing them can be more mindful than other games that require lots of cognitive engagement to coordinate with teammates or react in a split second."

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

These monumental changes arrived in a split second, and I’ve replayed the fall in my mind countless times.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Boone sprinted onto the piano and launched into the air above May, and in a split second, it was over.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

He laughs loud and hard at that, and it takes me a split second too long to start laughing with him.

From "King and the Dragonflies" by Kacen Callender