surefire

adjective

sure·​fire ˈshu̇r-ˈfī(-ə)r How to pronounce surefire (audio)
ˈshər-
: certain to get successful or expected results
a surefire recipe

Examples of surefire in a Sentence

The movie is a surefire hit with teenagers. There is no surefire way to predict the outcome.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This means recognizing that diverse perspectives fuel innovation—and ignoring that is a surefire way to stay stuck. Nono Bokete, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 To end on a neat twist — while texting journalists is a surefire way to breach security, the Signal chat itself was protected from outside interference by its encryption. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 Before the Eaton and Palisades fires devastated Los Angeles County, there was momentum among lawmakers to reduce bills by steering utilities away from burying electric lines — a surefire but expensive way to avoid ignitions during dry, windy conditions. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025 Keep an eye out for a venue with a long line of residents outside—a surefire indicator of the delicious food that awaits, worthy of your precious port time. Amanda Eyre Ward, Bon Appétit, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surefire

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surefire was in 1846

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Cite this Entry

“Surefire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surefire. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

surefire

adjective
sure·​fire ˌshu̇r-ˌfī(ə)r How to pronounce surefire (audio)
: certain to get results
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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