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
One of the most surefire homemade squirrel repellents is cinnamon mixed with cayenne.
—
Heather Bien, The Spruce, 21 May 2026
And even after being recruited to play football at the University of Michigan, he wasn’t considered a surefire star.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 May 2026
When President Donald Trump launched the war against Iran, that seemingly surefire GOP advantage, at best, may have become greatly diminished.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2026
Here, a crown of 'New Dawn' roses adds charm to the entry while encouraging the eye to look up instead of just out—a surefire way to feign a bigger yard.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for surefire
Heather Bien, The Spruce, 21 May 2026
And even after being recruited to play football at the University of Michigan, he wasn’t considered a surefire star.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 May 2026
When President Donald Trump launched the war against Iran, that seemingly surefire GOP advantage, at best, may have become greatly diminished.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2026
Here, a crown of 'New Dawn' roses adds charm to the entry while encouraging the eye to look up instead of just out—a surefire way to feign a bigger yard.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for surefire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surefire
Adjective
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These advancements are made possible with Spectrum’s fiber broadband network and industry-leading reliability and speed, which delivers the fastest and most reliable Internet*, keeping game day viewing seamless and exciting.—
Dennis Johnson,
Oc Register,
8 June 2026
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For the most part, all reliable and good, though occasionally, particularly during trips off-hours when ridership would fall off, the experience could be dicey with the train car almost empty and a rider shouting, swearing, smoking or even being threatening.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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Be sure to leave some time for customs in San José—during peak travel times, the line can be over an hour long.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
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Be sure to check out Bee reporter Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado’s newcomer’s guide to Sacramento’s LGBTQ bars, churches, drag shows and more.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
Adjective
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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
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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 12 Jun. 2026.
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