against the clock

phrase

1
: with or within a time constraint
working against the clock
2
: with clocked speed rather than the order of finish as the criterion for placement
trial races against the clock

Examples of against the clock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wednesday’s arguments also came amid a race against the clock. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 Rescuers are rushing against the clock to find anyone still alive in the muddy aftermath of the flooding, which destroyed nearly everything in its path. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 Two Yavapai County Sheriff's Office deputies raced against the clock to save a man's life after a rattlesnake bit him at a remote campsite. — Christian Cervantes, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2026 As bomb technicians struggled to disarm the explosive, the FBI raced against the clock to deliver the ransom while simultaneously hunting the extortionists. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for against the clock

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of against the clock was in 1857

Rhymes for against the clock

See All Rhymes for against the clock

Browse Nearby Words

against someone's wishes
against the clock
against the grain
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Against the clock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/against%20the%20clock. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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