surefire

adjective

sure·​fire ˈshu̇r-ˈfī(-ə)r 

ˈshər-

: certain to get successful or expected results

a surefire recipe

Synonyms of surefire

• reliable
• sure
• fail-safe

Examples of surefire in a Sentence

The movie is a surefire hit with teenagers.

There is no surefire way to predict the outcome.

Recent Examples on the Web

Michigan’s seemingly surefire victory Monday night — predicted widely by pundits across the country beforehand — appeared in peril at times throughout the first half. —Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026

There’s no surefire way to frighten bees and other stinger pollinators from your home, but there are ways to make your living space less attractive to them. —Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 7 Apr. 2026

Rafaela also lost an otherwise surefire catch in the blinding afternoon sunlight during Friday’s home opener. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026

Toews is a surefire Hall of Famer and a bona fide winner who can play with the best of the best. —Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for surefire

• acquire
• attire
• bonfire
• campfire
• ceasefire
• conspire
• desire
• enquire
• entire
• greenbrier
• gunfire
• homebuyer

Kids Definition

surefire

adjective

sure·​fire ˌshu̇r-ˌfī(ə)r 

: certain to get results