lock 1 of 2

as in certainty
one that is certain to succeed the governor is regarded as a lock for his party's presidential nomination

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lock

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of lock
Noun
Speaking of lids, they’re crafted with Tupperware’s classic sunburst design and feature the brand’s signature instant seal lid to lock in freshness and prevent leaks and spills. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025 Then lock the cup into the bottom of the attachment, and slide a lever at the top to press the ice close to the blade. Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
Silver lace tips and talk bubble lace locks contribute shine to the set. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025 At the All-Star break, Misiorowski looked like a lock for Milwaukee’s postseason rotation. The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lock
Noun
  • While these remain allegations and suspicions at this time the facts remain that the size, timing, and one-way directionality of the position indicate higher-than-normal certainty for such a large unhedged position.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Fears turned to near certainty.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At one point, Terrill, who was wearing long acrylic fingernails, hooked her finger on one cuff to prevent the Agents from latching the second cuff onto her wrist.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025
  • As depicted here, Gacy is a parasite latched onto a failing society.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Paired with her black latex gown and a silver necklace stack, Simpson’s hair embodied the ultimate Y2K archetype wrapped in muddy coloring.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The cups are made using a special Flexicup fabric that stretches with you, and one-of-a-kind Floataway Wire is wrapped in airflow mesh that stays put with zero digging.
    Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • From gumbo to Mardi Gras wings, kicking up your game-day menu with a little spice is a slam dunk.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The case is hardly a slam dunk for Gruden.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • All crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan were shut on Sunday following ongoing clashes.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
  • That's an explosive offense paired with a defense that is excellent at shutting the door on your offense down-to-down.
    Austin Mock, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The saddle features a split seat, the back half of which can be used as a fold-up backrest or additional room for a passenger.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Sift flour, baking powder, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt into egg mixture; fold in until combined.
    Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In Van Horn, ninety miles southwest of Pecos, the shelter consisted of four outdoor cages bolted to a concrete pad.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Suddenly the big buck came crashing up from the forest floor and bolted toward the right.
    Bob Cary, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In the vein of Jim Ford and Tony Joe White, East’s voice is fully formed here, twining country rootstock with soul and gospel so tightly that the traditions feel inseparable, and rightly so.
    Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025
  • At his best, McCann does an assiduous, subtle job of twining his metaphors through everyday life.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lock. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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