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.

For very small particles, the entire event lasts only a split second before the material completely burns up.

From Science Daily • May 14, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

For a split second it felt like I had neither.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 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

For a split second, she looks me in the eye.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed