as in reliable
not likely to fail
pizza seems like a surefire choice for a food that everyone at the party will be happy with
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Recent Examples of surefire
Rafaela also lost an otherwise surefire catch in the blinding afternoon sunlight during Friday’s home opener.
—
Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
Toews is a surefire Hall of Famer and a bona fide winner who can play with the best of the best.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
While tight end and safety aren’t considered premium positions, both spots could use a surefire upgrade.
—Mike Kaye
march 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
What’s his future: Teenaged prospects are hardly a surefire bet, but Pineda’s frame and family track record make a worthy investment.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surefire
Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
Toews is a surefire Hall of Famer and a bona fide winner who can play with the best of the best.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
While tight end and safety aren’t considered premium positions, both spots could use a surefire upgrade.
—Mike Kaye
march 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
What’s his future: Teenaged prospects are hardly a surefire bet, but Pineda’s frame and family track record make a worthy investment.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surefire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surefire
Adjective
-
This Oxo spinner remains one of the most reliable options, with a smooth pump mechanism and sturdy construction that holds up better than most.—
Jennifer Zyman,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In his first varsity season, the junior infielder/pitcher has developed into a reliable reliever for the Warriors.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The fans are sure to clock in for its extra nuggets of lore, but there are few reasons for a non-Slimehead to take the plunge.—
Beatrice Loayza,
Variety,
1 May 2026
-
Holland's not quite sure why so many in his generation are avoiding alcohol.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Consider this the fail-safe way to make a statement during the colder months—a leopard-print coat that's both fiercely cool and classic.—
Andrea Cheng,
InStyle,
29 Dec. 2025
-
Larry Anglisano, an aviation journalist for AVBrief, described Autoland as a fail-safe for when the airplane is in working order but the pilot might not be able to take control.—
Sarah Horbacewicz,
CBS News,
22 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Surefire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surefire. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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