shoo-in

noun

ˈshü-ˌin How to pronounce shoo-in (audio)
Definition of shoo-innext
as in lock
one that is certain to succeed a shoo-in for the position of secretary of state

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 shoo-in After once looking like shoo-ins to be buyers at the trade deadline on Monday, Miami now will focus more on moves that benefit the future without sacrificing too much from the present. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026 But his induction will be far from a shoo-in this or any other year. — Scott Fowler july 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026 The performer and brother of pop star Ariana Grande was a shoo-in for the parts, having played them as far back as 2018. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026 All this to say, there is a lot of room for new shows to break into the Outstanding Drama Series category, but not many certified hits both on a commercial and critical level to be a shoo-in. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shoo-in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shoo-in
  1. lock
  2. certainty
  3. sure thing
  4. cinch
Noun
  • One way is by adjusting the draft for vessels going through the locks.
    — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Its sturdy purpose is to guide and tow larger vessels through locks and busy lanes.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of lock
Noun
  • An inactive bill on human remains has been revived in the final stretch of the state Legislature’s regular session and entirely refashioned to add a level of certainty to the Midway Rising mega project.
    — Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Blonde loosens the plot, leaning into the unreliability of memory and the false truths that occupy the gaps between love and certainty.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of certainty
Noun
  • In this season specifically, the friend group needs a little bit of mediation and someone to make sure things are running smoothly, and that’s my job as mother.
    — McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2026
  • For safety, crews closed Commercial Street and the Nine Mile Run trail, which run underneath Interstate 376, as tests on Thursday made sure things will work next month for the big move while the Parkway East is closed.
    — John Shumway, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Definition of sure thing
Noun
  • Besides the fabric weight, another notable feature is the era-defining cinch back, complete with a buckle and a distinctive construction detail in which the left and right sides are sewn in opposing directions.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Roberts opted for an all-black take on boho, pairing a billowy Posse blouse with balloon pants that featured pleats around the leg and a cinch at the ankle.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of cinch

Browse Nearby Words

shone
shoo-in
shoo-ins
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shoo-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shoo-in. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shoo-in

Nglish: Translation of shoo-in for Spanish Speakers

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