split-sec·ond
ˈsplit-ˈse-kənd 
1
: occurring in a split second
a split-second decision
2
: extremely precise
split-second timing
Synonyms
Examples of split-second in a Sentence
Adjective
a day trader who is used to making split-second decisions
Noun
In a split second, it was all over.
a devastating accident can cause everything in your life to change in a split second
Recent Examples on the Web
Adam Liptak, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
What happened immediately before the moment of force would typically be most important because officers must make split-second judgments, the Justice Department said.
—Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
After all, wind can shift 180 degrees in a split second, pushing fire away from your house and towards a neighbor's.
—CBS News, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for split-second 
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Adjective
At Wednesday’s argument in the case, Barnes v. Felix, No. 23-1239, some justices expressed concerns about second-guessing police officers’ split-second judgments.
—Adam Liptak, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
What happened immediately before the moment of force would typically be most important because officers must make split-second judgments, the Justice Department said.
—Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
He’s got the ability to change his angles in a split second (thanks to lightning-quick hands) and shoot around sticks and feet.
—Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
After all, wind can shift 180 degrees in a split second, pushing fire away from your house and towards a neighbor's.
—CBS News, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for split-second
Dictionary Entries Near split-second
Cite this Entry
“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/split-second. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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