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 The simplest way to ensure your messages are safe from snooping is to use an end-to-end encrypted app like Signal or WhatsApp, says Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). —

Bill Chappell, NPR, 17 Dec. 2024 The government said more work needs to be done by both the creative industries and technology firms to ensure any standards and requirements for rights reservation and transparency are effective, accessible and widely adopted. —

Ryan Browne, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2024 Both of the cameras capture video with sound, and the front-facing camera will automatically pan to ensure it's focused on a bird. —

Medea Giordano, WIRED, 17 Dec. 2024 There’s no way to ensure the safety of products bought off sites such as TikTok, despite what the seller says. —

Maggie O'Neill, Health, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ensure