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 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 Beyer’s district is deep-blue, meaning whoever wins the Democratic primary is likely a shoo-in to defeat GOP nominee Tony Sabio in November. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026 After once looking like shoo-ins to be buyers at the trade deadline on Monday, Miami now will focus more on moves that benefit the future without sacrificing too much from the present. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026 But his induction will be far from a shoo-in this or any other year. — Scott Fowler july 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 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
  • Many had seen Joveljic as a lock up front for Sporting, even after the club’s ongoing reconstruction.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The rest of the starting spots could still be up for grabs outside of Cox, who is the other lock.
    — CJ Moore, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of lock
Noun
  • Caudle acknowledged the stress the Iran war has put on the US fleet and said the service would try to put more certainty into deployment times, but combat demands can make that difficult.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • There are plenty of clues on further cost of living support but no certainty yet on what will be announced.
    — Marc Shoffman, TheWeek, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of certainty
Noun
  • 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
  • For safety, crews closed Commercial Street and the Nine Mile Run trail, which run underneath Interstate 376, as tests on Thursday made sure things will work next month for the big move while the Parkway East is closed.
    — John Shumway, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Definition of sure thing
Noun
  • Outfitted with removable striped Sunbrella cushion covers that are UV-resistant and a cinch to clean, this sun lounger is the type of design that will keep your pool open as long as possible.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Besides the fabric weight, another notable feature is the era-defining cinch back, complete with a buckle and a distinctive construction detail in which the left and right sides are sewn in opposing directions.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of cinch

Browse Nearby Words

shone
shoo-in
shoo-ins
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shoo-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shoo-in. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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