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 Still, there’s little science to prove that a crackling sound is a surefire way to tell that your snickerdoodles are done. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2024 The video is hypercharged by three surefire paths to virality in this era of social media: nostalgia, shock value, and celebrity cameos. Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 31 May 2024 That behavior is unhealthy and a surefire way of destroying a relationship. Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 28 May 2024 In New York City, there are always a few surefire signs that summer has officially arrived. Anna Tingley, Variety, 21 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for surefire 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'surefire.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surefire was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near surefire

Cite this Entry

“Surefire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surefire. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.

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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