shoo-in

noun

ˈshü-ˌin How to pronounce shoo-in (audio)
Definition of shoo-innext
as in lock
one that is certain to succeed a shoo-in for the position of secretary of state

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 shoo-in That film, which won the Silver Lion, was considered a shoo-in for the festival’s top award after its 22-minute standing ovation, which stands as the fest’s longest. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 The contest in Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District should be a shoo-in for Republicans. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Our Top Picks The Heirloom Pick Any piece from Le Creuset is a shoo-in heirloom piece, and these heritage stoneware dishes in the brand’s classic vibrant glazes are no exception. — Clara Hillis, Architectural Digest, 18 Aug. 2026 Brady is not yet eligible for the Hall of Fame but is considered a shoo-in, having won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and a seventh with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before retiring in 2023. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shoo-in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shoo-in
  1. lock
  2. certainty
  3. sure thing
  4. cinch
Noun
  • As reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the devices will include a doorbell, a smart lock, and a thermostat, with LG branding.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Let’s lock in, find a good wager, and get some cash as the Buccaneers head to the Lone Star State to take on the Cowboys.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of lock
Noun
  • By defining requirements upfront and approving change orders quickly, the model improves schedule certainty and ensures vessels are mission-ready when they are delivered.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Heavy rainfall is a certainty with this storm, but the level of threat from sustained winds and storm surge will be dependent upon the extent to which Isaias can get its act together.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of certainty
Noun
  • But while players such as Hutson — who won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year before signing his contract last fall — had already established themselves as top NHL talents, others now landing these contracts are far from sure things.
    — James Mirtle, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • In this season specifically, the friend group needs a little bit of mediation and someone to make sure things are running smoothly, and that’s my job as mother.
    — McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2026
Definition of sure thing
Noun
  • Archival details include a wide relaxed fit, rear waistband cinch and suspender attachments.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • There are two Hall of Famers and another cinch to join her in the coming years; several All-Stars as well as a number of players who made an impact for short stints or simply stopped by for a cup of coffee.
    — From Staff Reports, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of cinch

Browse Nearby Words

shone
shoo-in
shoo-ins
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Cite this Entry

“Shoo-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shoo-in. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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