shoo-in

noun

ˈshü-ˌin 

: one that is a certain and easy winner

Synonyms of shoo-in

• lock
• certainty
• lead-pipe cinch
• sure thing
• cinch

Examples of shoo-in in a Sentence

a shoo-in for the position of secretary of state

Recent Examples on the Web

That film, which won the Silver Lion, was considered a shoo-in for the festival’s top award after its 22-minute standing ovation, which stands as the fest’s longest. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

The contest in Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District should be a shoo-in for Republicans. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Our Top Picks The Heirloom Pick Any piece from Le Creuset is a shoo-in heirloom piece, and these heritage stoneware dishes in the brand’s classic vibrant glazes are no exception. — Clara Hillis, Architectural Digest, 18 Aug. 2026

The first few names on the list read like a Who’s Who of wonderkids; Renato Sanches was once a shoo-in for your Football Manager save, while Pedri and Joao Neves have gone on to become two of the most influential midfielders in the game. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shoo-in

• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• crankpin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin

Kids Definition

shoo-in

noun

ˈshü-ˌin

: one that is a certain and easy winner