Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for split second. Search instead for splitsecond.
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 a split second it felt like I had neither.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

What excites me is the maverick who gets you out of your seat and when possession-based football takes a rest for a split second and something magical happens.

From BBC • Aug. 8, 2025

He said in a split second, after spotting the Israeli missile, he reacted and somehow survived.

From Slate • Jun. 14, 2025

It sounds different; it feels different, even if just for a split second.

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2025

But he did, and for a moment, for that single split second, Sergio thought his father had really gotten him something.

From "Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story" by Nora Raleigh Baskin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.