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 Now, three years later, Slovis is still trying to regain that status as a surefire NFL draft prospect. Kevin Reynolds, The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 Sep. 2023 For some high-level juniors that seem like surefire pros that’s doable because of either family backing or sponsorship money or advances from an agent. Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, 30 Aug. 2023 Working in customer service is an almost surefire way to become burned out these days. Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2023 The fall leaves and houses already decorated for Halloween are surefire conversation starters. Alyssa Girdwain, Women's Health, 11 Aug. 2023 With their first pitching trade before next week’s deadline, the Dodgers added veteran depth — though hardly surefire improvements — to their rotation and bullpen. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2023 The Dodgers’ problem: There are few surefire left-handed alternatives beyond Ferguson in the bullpen. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2023 The only thing that seemed to go his way was when what looked to be a surefire interception bounced off the hands of Raiders cornerback Duke Shelley right to 49ers tight end Ross Dwelley, who snagged it for a touchdown. Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY, 14 Aug. 2023 There are plenty of alluring unisex versions available, which make surefire gifts for your hubbie or even a new boyfriend. ELLE, 14 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'surefire.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surefire was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near surefire

Cite this Entry

“Surefire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surefire. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.

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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