splitting

adjective

split·​ting ˈspli-tiŋ 

: that splits or causes to split: such as

a

: causing a piercing sensation

a splitting headache

b

: very fast or quick

racing off at a splitting pace

—Charles Dickens

c

: sidesplitting

a splitting laugh

Synonyms

• blistering
• breakneck
• breathless
• brisk
• dizzy
• fast
• fleet
• fleet-footed
• flying
• galloping
• hasty
• hot
• lightning
• nippy
• quick
• rapid
• rapid-fire
• rattling
• snappy
• speedy
• swift
• whirlwind
• zippy

Examples of splitting in a Sentence

the horse took off at a splitting gallop

Recent Examples on the Web

In bringing up the bill, Republicans succeeded in splitting Democrats, still smarting from their defeat at the ballot box in November, on one of Trump’s signature issues. —Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 22 Jan. 2025

But that win can mostly be attributed to the Globes’ splitting comedies and dramas. —Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025

But the trouble with splitting saltwater with an electrolyzer rather than through electrodialysis is that the electrolyzer will also produce toxic chlorine gas. —IEEE Spectrum, 26 Dec. 2024

This leave-in treatment features guar bean paste that temporarily seals the hair cuticle to reduce the appearance of splitting ends and frizz, all while leaving curls looking healthy and shiny and preventing future breakage from happening. —Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing splitting

• fee splitting
• splitting headache

Kids Definition

splitting

adjective

split·​ting

ˈsplit-iŋ

: very severe

a splitting headache