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.
Beyond the fact that using AI tools to write is generally frowned upon and considered to be unethical, AI writing has become so ubiquitous that using AI or modeling one’s work off of it is a surefire way to make your materials blend into a sea of other cookie-cutter essays. Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 This bodyweight exercise—which involves lying beneath a bar and pulling yourself toward it while keeping your body in a straight line—is a surefire way to ignite a ton of upper-body pulling muscles while also smoking your core too. Christa Sgobba, SELF, 12 May 2025 The ‘naked’ dress — a gown built on the suggestion of exposing its wearer’s nudity — quickly revealed itself as a surefire way for celebrities to grab headlines and has therefore enjoyed full-frontal support from a number of those in show business. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 12 May 2025 Grilling fish is quick, easy, and a surefire way to keep your home from smelling like seafood for days. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Surefire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surefire. Accessed 23 May. 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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