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 In any case, Gomez seems like a shoo-in for the wedding day squad. — Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 25 June 2026 Schlafly, who gave him a rare early endorsement, had in the 1970s slayed the Equal Rights Amendment, which sought to give women equality under the Constitution — a seeming shoo-in, until she got involved. — Vivian Yee, New York Times, 20 June 2026 In the Republican primary for governor in 2018, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam looked like an early shoo-in. — Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026 Whether your dad's an adventurer or casual explorer, this new slip-in style is a shoo-in to make your dad's Father's day — scratch that, his year. — Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 15 June 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
  • If a borrower stops paying, the handset locks and displays a request to pay the bill.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
  • According to Arce, the timing of Honorius’ and Theodosius II’s long locks law was anything but random.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 July 2026
Definition of lock
Noun
  • In the span of three weeks, the Red Sox went from an almost certainty to trade Aroldis Chapman, Sonny Gray and maybe Willson Contreras to now looking like clear buyers.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Errant thoughts will still arise (the laundry, the email, the certainty that your opening scene is a disaster) but in a mindful state, those thoughts are observable.
    — April Dávila, Literary Hub, 22 July 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
  • That may be true in the world of fine dining, but in general, many of the culinary techniques employed by professionals can be mastered over time, while others are actually a cinch for home cooks to pick up.
    — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 16 July 2026
  • The combination of the collar, functional buttons down the front, and waist tie—which allows for an adjustable cinch—gives it a polished feel.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 11 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shoo-in

Nglish: Translation of shoo-in for Spanish Speakers

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