surefire

adjective

sure·​fire ˈshu̇r-ˈfī(-ə)r How to pronounce surefire (audio)
ˈshər-
: certain to get successful or expected results
a surefire recipe

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
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.
But jumping feet-first onto every passing bandwagon is a surefire recipe for disaster. Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 The bright blue light emitted from the device is a surefire way to disrupt your sleep patterns even more than your long travel day. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 24 Aug. 2025 An interesting vessel is a surefire way for houseplants to get just as much design attention as their living counterparts. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2025 With several weeks of training camp and two preseason games in the books, Milton just might be slipping as the surefire No. 2 behind Prescott. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surefire

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surefire was in 1846

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Surefire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surefire. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

surefire

adjective
sure·​fire ˌshu̇r-ˌfī(ə)r How to pronounce surefire (audio)
: certain to get results
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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