as in magic bullets
US
something that very quickly and easily solves a serious problem
—usually singular
There is no silver bullet that will solve all our economic problems.
Related Words
Relevance
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 silver bullets
Seismometers offer silver bullets, allowing scientists to use moonquakes (whether homegrown or imported via lunar impacts of errant meteoroids) to effectively perform a CT scan of the deep subsurface.
—
Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 7 Apr. 2026
Technologies that were initially touted as silver bullets were later shown to have unintended consequences for ecosystems and vulnerable communities; while others that were categorically seen as enemies turned out to be critical in enabling breakthrough solutions.
—Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026
Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 7 Apr. 2026
Technologies that were initially touted as silver bullets were later shown to have unintended consequences for ecosystems and vulnerable communities; while others that were categorically seen as enemies turned out to be critical in enabling breakthrough solutions.
—Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Silver bullets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/silver%20bullets. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
