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Definitions

like clockwork

ADJECTIVE
cyclic
Synonyms
STRONG
cyclical
WEAK
periodic periodical recurring repeating
ADJECTIVE
isochronal
Synonyms
WEAK
alternate chain continued cyclic cyclical frequent habitual intermittent isochronous periodic periodical recurring regular reoccurring repeated repetitive rolling
ADJECTIVE
isochronous
Synonyms
WEAK
alternate chain continued cyclic cyclical frequent habitual intermittent isochronal periodic periodical recurring regular reoccurring repeated repetitive rolling
ADVERB
swimmingly
Synonyms
STRONG
smoothly
WEAK
as planned cosily easily effectively effortlessly favorably fortunately happily like a dream prosperously quickly satisfyingly successfully well with flying colors with no trouble without a hitch
Antonyms
WEAK
lousy

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.

I’m not sure what would provoke anyone to tune in, but like clockwork, the viewership billowed to the thousands.

From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026

Ask a futurist about self-driving cars, and you’ll hear an exciting story: traffic that flows like clockwork, pedestrians stepping into the street without fear, and collisions so rare they make the news.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

Cold pintxos on the bar for the taking, hot pintxos appearing like clockwork from the tiny but powerful kitchen.

From Salon • Nov. 8, 2025

In other words, earthquakes didn’t seem to re-occur like clockwork, rupturing the same stretch of fault in a repeatable, predictable pattern.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 11, 2025

This God created a world that ran like clockwork, with every plant, animal, and creature a cog in the great machine.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman