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as in to ensure
to make sure, certain, or safe a retirement account that will help to secure our future

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to fasten
to put securely in place or in a desired position candidates for admission are asked to secure a recent photo to their application forms

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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secure

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word secure distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of secure are assure, ensure, and insure. While all these words mean "to make a thing or person sure," secure implies action taken to guard against attack or loss.

sent reinforcements to secure their position

When can assure be used instead of secure?

The words assure and secure can be used in similar contexts, but assure distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind.

I assure you that no harm will be done

How does the word ensure relate to other synonyms for secure?

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

When is it sensible to use insure instead of secure?

While the synonyms insure and secure are close in meaning, insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand.

careful planning should insure the success of the party

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 secure
Verb
By the end of episode six, Rick (Walton Goggins) and Frank (Sam Rockwell) manage to secure an invitation—under false pretenses—to the Bangkok residence of White Lotus co-owner Sritala Hollinger (Lek Patravadi) and her husband Jim (Scott Glenn). Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2025 His extension, on the other hand, represents a critical step forward, securing the Jays’ franchise cornerstone through 2039. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
On arrival at a secure location, the family is given handheld UHF radios and watertight bags filled with tools for escape and evasion. Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 But as trust in the market thins, there are a few options to spread out investments, so that people can stay secure in both the long and short term. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The push to help more than half-a-million Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans is part of a broader legal effort to protect nationals from Ukraine, Afghanistan and other countries who are here legally.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Thompson also weighed in on Bernie Sanders' criticisms of the oligarchy, urging corporate leaders to step up against the president's chaotic economic policies to ensure stable growth.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This strategic move into media ventures underscores Ronaldo’s ambition to solidify his influence in the entertainment industry, ensuring his brand’s longevity well beyond his soccer career.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The chefs, their aprons fastened with only a single shoulder strap giving the brigade a pirate spirit, brought out each of the dishes and explained how they were prepared with charm and passion.
    Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Undeterred, the Brits fuel up, fasten snow chains to their vehicle's tires, and continue forward.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Osceola and Stockton met twice earlier this season at Osceola Heritage Park, and the Magic won both games by an average of 19 points.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Here's My Ultimate Bakery Crawl Through Reykjavik Kovács shared what an honor this achievement was, especially considering his pastry shop had opened only five months prior to winning the competition.
    Sable Massingill Martinez, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Many others have noted how comfortable these same people who are cracking down on antisemitism are with Nazis—real, frighteningly confident antisemites.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The Trump Administration, however, remains confident in its approach.
    Nik Popli, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The margins for error are always going to be thin on a cold, wet night like Monday, but Juan Soto is a safe bet any night.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Furthering its commitment to sustainable infrastructure, the company announced plans to expand its ultra-fast charging network internationally to help address the increasing demand for fast and reliable EV charging solutions.
    Lyubov Artemenko, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • At home, our Xfinity WiFi gateways and extenders create a fast, reliable, and secure connection in every corner of your home.
    Comcast, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That — a complete inability to defend without fouling — has been as much a hallmark of these Huskies as anything.
    Brendan Marks, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • And so, this campaign will be relentless to degrade their capability and to open up shipping lanes in the region and to defend our homeland.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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