as in lock
one that is certain to succeed
he's a sure thing for the promotion: he's the most qualified candidate by far
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Recent Examples of sure thing
Getting to — and staying — at Duke Knueppel’s attendance at Duke was no sure thing.
—
Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
In a campaign as odd as this one, there are no sure things.
—Dan Walters, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
Few sure things in the acting categories Whether those changes will have any effect on some of the night’s closest races remains to be seen.
—Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026
Chalamet, while Marty’s best bet, has lately looked like less of a sure thing, while a win for Byrne would be a pleasant surprise in a race that pundits long ago ceded to Hamnet’s Jessie Buckley.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sure thing
Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
In a campaign as odd as this one, there are no sure things.
—Dan Walters, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
Few sure things in the acting categories Whether those changes will have any effect on some of the night’s closest races remains to be seen.
—Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026
Chalamet, while Marty’s best bet, has lately looked like less of a sure thing, while a win for Byrne would be a pleasant surprise in a race that pundits long ago ceded to Hamnet’s Jessie Buckley.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sure thing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sure thing
Noun
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That could also include Weber State’s Gavin Ortega, a versatile 6-foot-5 piece who sports golden-blonde locks flowing from the back of his helmet.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
10 May 2026
-
Gone are the manual clamps or twist locks.—
Robb Rice,
Robb Report,
10 May 2026
Noun
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Republicans believe the state is a slam dunk if Cornyn gets through.—
Domenico Montanaro,
NPR,
2 May 2026
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Puma Sneakers Inspired by Kate Hudson There’s no other way to put this… Kate Hudson’s Puma sneakers are a real slam dunk.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
Noun
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Surely this should mean more intelligence and certainty.—
Sarah DaVanzo,
Rolling Stone,
11 May 2026
-
So there was no certainty there.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sure thing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sure%20thing. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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