SUREFIRE Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

surefire

adjective

ˈshu̇r-ˈfī(-ə)r

Definition of surefire

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 surefire Judge is one of the biggest names in Major League Baseball and a surefire future Hall of Famer. — Jaylon Thompson may 26, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026 At this French Open, there are two surefire ways of seeing that Hailey Baptiste is on the rise. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 24 May 2026 One of the most surefire homemade squirrel repellents is cinnamon mixed with cayenne. — Heather Bien, The Spruce, 21 May 2026 Yet, forcing employees to use AI to do more work isn’t the uncomplicated, surefire route to success it’s made out to be. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for surefire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for surefire

Adjective

Comedy Central became one of TV’s most reliable stand-up farm systems beginning in the 1990s, implementing a mix of showcases, half-hours, roasts, late-night blocks and festival tie-ins to elevate the medium.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 30 July 2026
After hiring a small 50-person crew as a test run, the railroad company found Chinese laborers to be reliable and efficient.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of reliable

Adjective

Getty Images The New York Mets are one of the few sure-fire sellers at this point before the MLB trade deadline, putting several veterans under the spotlight as potential chips for opposing contenders searching to fortify going into October.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
On the one hand, sure, many of the PGA Tour’s best players took the week off after The Open Championship.

— Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of sure

Adjective

Linen Bermuda shorts and wedge sandals are a fail-safe combination that’s not only fashionable but also embodies the spirit of summer with effortless elegance.

— René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 14 June 2026
In response, energy companies and shippers are exploring options that could involve billions of dollars in investment in new pipelines, port expansions, and alternative (though hardly fail-safe) routes through the Red Sea.

— Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2026

Definition of fail-safe

Browse Nearby Words

sure-enough

surefire

sure-footed

See all Nearby Words

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“Surefire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surefire. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of surefire

adjective

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