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

Relevance

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 Not every piece of clothing is a shoo-in for Ripa’s approval though. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for shoo-in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shoo-in
  1. lock
  2. certainty
  3. sure thing
  4. cinch
Noun
  • Then, too, some bowhunters simply aren’t physically able to climb up and down a tree to a lock-on, or use a climber.
    — Colin Moore, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Ask about account PINs, number locks and additional verification.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of lock
Noun
  • The Bears have asked for certainty for property taxes plus infrastructure and utility improvements.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Igshaan Adams’s The certainty of being a rose (ii), a sculpture made of beads, thread and textile, fetched £96,000 ($127,000) despite the auctioneer reminding bidders that proceeds would benefit environmental charities.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of certainty
Noun
  • Doncic, Reaves and Kessler are the sure things, but the other two spots are not certain.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • 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
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
  • The stylish stripes are easy to mix and match with basics, and the wrinkle-free fabric makes packing a cinch.
    — Lauren Finney Harden, InStyle, 7 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of jilt

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All