lock 1 of 2

as in certainty
one that is certain to succeed the governor is regarded as a lock for his party's presidential nomination

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lock

2 of 2

verb

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 lock
Noun
At 5ft 11in (180cm), Kerkez is not the tallest full-back but still has the requisite height and strength to improve his defending and lock off the back post when meeting crosses. Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
Some ISPs also offer price-lock guarantees or discounts for bundling internet with TV or mobile service. Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025 Per the trailer, the duo decide that her hair must go and end up shaving it off — a drastic change that Stone embraced, cutting off her naturally blond locks for the role. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lock
Noun
  • While these remain allegations and suspicions at this time the facts remain that the size, timing, and one-way directionality of the position indicate higher-than-normal certainty for such a large unhedged position.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Fears turned to near certainty.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At one point, Terrill, who was wearing long acrylic fingernails, hooked her finger on one cuff to prevent the Agents from latching the second cuff onto her wrist.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025
  • As depicted here, Gacy is a parasite latched onto a failing society.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Paired with her black latex gown and a silver necklace stack, Simpson’s hair embodied the ultimate Y2K archetype wrapped in muddy coloring.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The cups are made using a special Flexicup fabric that stretches with you, and one-of-a-kind Floataway Wire is wrapped in airflow mesh that stays put with zero digging.
    Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • From gumbo to Mardi Gras wings, kicking up your game-day menu with a little spice is a slam dunk.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The case is hardly a slam dunk for Gruden.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Indeed, Roundhill shut its meme ETF down at one point because of lack of interest.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Varinder Singh, co-owner of Bill the Butcher, says the store has seen an increase in meat and grocery sales since the Pick ‘n Save across the street shut its doors.
    April Quevedo, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But on closer inspection, modern details emerge—the flush sundeck a top the boat, curved windows on the main deck and helm area, and, almost impossibly, a fold-out beach club at the stern.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Both outlets also reported that Duffy may seek to fold NASA into the Department of Transportation, an agency also led by the former lumberjack and reality TV star.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In Van Horn, ninety miles southwest of Pecos, the shelter consisted of four outdoor cages bolted to a concrete pad.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Suddenly the big buck came crashing up from the forest floor and bolted toward the right.
    Bob Cary, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In the vein of Jim Ford and Tony Joe White, East’s voice is fully formed here, twining country rootstock with soul and gospel so tightly that the traditions feel inseparable, and rightly so.
    Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025
  • At his best, McCann does an assiduous, subtle job of twining his metaphors through everyday life.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lock. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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