surefire

adjective

sure·​fire ˈshu̇r-ˈfī(-ə)r How to pronounce surefire (audio)
ˈshər-
Synonyms of surefirenext
: 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.
Soft Textures One surefire way to kill a cozy vibe according to Jones is too many hard surfaces and not enough soft textures. Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 1 Mar. 2026 Experiencing the area's wineries is a top activity for many visiting Watkins Glen, and charting a course along the wine trail is a surefire way to taste some of the region’s best vintages while taking in beautiful views. Kelsey Fowler, Travel + Leisure, 24 Feb. 2026 However, stuffing stinky or stained items away for months is a surefire way to permanently damage them. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2026 Soon, mystery-solving events were de rigueur at many rural hotels, whose owners found that staging crime scenes was a surefire way to lure cosmopolitans to the country during the off-season. Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2026 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 16 Mar. 2026.

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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