surefire
adjective
sure·fire
ˈshu̇r-ˈfī(-ə)r 
ˈshər-
: certain to get successful or expected results
a surefire recipe
Synonyms
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
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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
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.
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Kids Definition
surefire
adjective
sure·fire
ˌshu̇r-ˌfī(ə)r
: certain to get results
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