sure thing

noun

: one that is certain to succeed : a sure bet

Examples of sure thing in a Sentence

he's a sure thing for the promotion: he's the most qualified candidate by far
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.
There are no sure things on the Churchill Downs racetrack — and this year, there are few sure things around the track as well. Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 4 May 2025 But those are perhaps the only sure things, with many of the other actors not currently serving as ambassadors for any big houses and known to play the field with their looks. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025 Such shakeups should make for an exciting night, as there aren’t many sure things at the top of the ballot. Chris Dobstaff, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 Read more Best Nuggets vs. Thunder player props, ATS bets: Can Denver stun OKC? We last night in Cleveland that heavy favorites in the conference semifinals of the NBA playoffs are no sure thing, as the Pacers (4) beat the Cavs (1) 121-112 as 3-to-1 underdogs on the moneyline. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sure thing

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sure thing was in 1767

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sure thing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sure%20thing. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!