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 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 The Japanese move on as the second-place finisher of Group F while Sweden is a shoo-in for a third-place qualification. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 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
  • While Jackson seems like a lock to start, Glover’s hold on his position might not be as strong.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The proposal would have transformed the state’s current delegation, split between six Democrats and five Republicans, into a 10-1 Democratic near-lock.
    — Sophia Mandt, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of lock
Noun
  • The man of such certainty has that certainty beaten out of him.
    — Charles Lewis III, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Cabrera, the only certainty for the Cubs’ 2027 rotation, made his first rehab start from a hamstring injury Wednesday at Iowa, throwing 55 pitches.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 6 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
  • As for styling, cinch in the skirt with a luxe leather belt and finish with coordinating loafers.
    — Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The wraps will form a series of tight coils and cinch down around the main line.
    — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 30 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 14 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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