as in lock
one that is certain to succeed
a shoo-in for the position of secretary of state
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Recent Examples of shoo-in
Looking ahead, Jackson and Fries are shoo-ins to retain their spots in 2026.
—
Alec Lewis, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Bonds and Clemens would be shoo-ins for the Hall had their careers in MLB not been tainted by the accusations.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025
Isaacman is a private astronaut who has funded and commanded two SpaceX missions to Earth orbit, and was widely considered to be a shoo-in for administrator after his first hearing before the committee on April 9.
—Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 3 Dec. 2025
On paper, Wilson sounded like a shoo-in.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 17 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shoo-in
Alec Lewis, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Bonds and Clemens would be shoo-ins for the Hall had their careers in MLB not been tainted by the accusations.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025
Isaacman is a private astronaut who has funded and commanded two SpaceX missions to Earth orbit, and was widely considered to be a shoo-in for administrator after his first hearing before the committee on April 9.
—Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 3 Dec. 2025
On paper, Wilson sounded like a shoo-in.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 17 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shoo-in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shoo-in
Noun
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This portable lock box is especially helpful during beach days or café stops when stepping away from things feels like a gamble.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Feb. 2026
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As Stewart knows, hardside luggage is a must for flights, and this protective suitcase includes features like a keyless lock for security and dual spinner wheels for smooth rolling.—
Cheryl Wagemann,
InStyle,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Rousseau asked in his closing, referring to testimony from Detective Jerry Cedillo on his certainty that Bell-Johnson was one of the shooters.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated February 6,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Feb. 2026
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And in this vacuum of scientific certainty, inaccurate beliefs thrive.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Of course, the genre dictates that a seemingly sure thing be vexed, and this rom-com is no different.—
Lisa Kennedy,
Variety,
5 Feb. 2026
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From the 2025 tariff regime to general political uncertainty, the only sure thing is that nothing is certain.—
Emma Hinchliffe,
Fortune,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This festive two-layer cake is a cinch to pull off thanks to white cake mix.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2026
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Bill Belichick going into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was a cinch.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shoo-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shoo-in. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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