ENSURE Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'ensure' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ensure are assure , insure , and secure . While all these words mean "to make a thing or person sure," ensure , insure , and assure are interchangeable in many contexts where they indicate the making certain or inevitable of an outcome, but ensure may imply a virtual guarantee. // the government has ensured the safety of the refugees

Q: Where would 'assure' be a reasonable alternative to 'ensure'?

The meanings of assure and ensure largely overlap; however, assure distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind. // I assure you that no harm will be done

Q: When could 'insure' be used to replace 'ensure'?

Although the words insure and ensure have much in common, insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand. // careful planning should insure the success of the party

Q: When is 'secure' a more appropriate choice than 'ensure'?

The words secure and ensure can be used in similar contexts, but secure implies action taken to guard against attack or loss. // sent reinforcements to secure their position

ensure

verb

in-ˈshu̇r

Definition of ensure next

as in to assure

to make sure, certain, or safe regulations that ensure the wholesomeness of our food

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How is the word ensure distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ensure are assure, insure, and secure. While all these words mean "to make a thing or person sure," ensure, insure, and assure are interchangeable in many contexts where they indicate the making certain or inevitable of an outcome, but ensure may imply a virtual guarantee.

the government has ensured the safety of the refugees

Where would assure be a reasonable alternative to ensure?

The meanings of assure and ensure largely overlap; however, assure distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind.

I assure you that no harm will be done

When could insure be used to replace ensure?

Although the words insure and ensure have much in common, insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand.

careful planning should insure the success of the party

When is secure a more appropriate choice than ensure?

The words secure and ensure can be used in similar contexts, but secure implies action taken to guard against attack or loss.

sent reinforcements to secure their position

Examples 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 ensure Other challenges in the noise-free quantum era range from managing the complexity of large-scale quantum systems to ensuring equitable access to this powerful technology. —

Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne was kicked out of the voting center at Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix on Tuesday morning for violating the 75-foot perimeter that is intended to ensure only certain categories of people are in the polling area. —

Nick Sullivan, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 The judging takes place the following night, which means the bakers have to ensure their cakes stay fresh for more than a day. —

Jennifer Maas, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024 Trusted contacts and power of attorneys can ensure someone doesn’t steal money that should go towards long-term care, Simasko said. —

Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ensure