How is the word insure distinct from other similar verbs?
Some common synonyms of insure are assure, ensure, and secure. While all these words mean "to make a thing or person sure," insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand.
careful planning should insure the success of the party
When can assure be used instead of insure?
In some situations, the words assure and insure are roughly equivalent. However, assure distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind.
I assure you that no harm will be done
How is ensure related to other words for insure?
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 secure a more appropriate choice than insure?
The words secure and insure can be used in similar contexts, but secure implies action taken to guard against attack or loss.
sent reinforcements to secure their position
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of insureSavers will also rest assured knowing that their CD account is FDIC-insured up to $250,000, adding another layer of protection that many will find helpful right now.—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 12 June 2026 The Warriors put the game away in the sixth, sending 11 to the plate and scoring six times to insure its date with Somerset-Berkley in the final.—Matt Roy, Boston Herald, 11 June 2026 Under City of New Britain policy, the finance directors are the officials responsible for insuring the P-Card use complies with city policy that permits card use only in limited circumstances and prohibits personal purchases.—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026 With the federal government insuring loans on 95 percent of the value of low-cost houses at the time, homebuyers had to put down only 5 percent—and that was waived for veterans.—Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for insure
Compliance officers These workers ensure that companies and organizations follow laws, regulations and policies, looking for potential problems to fix.
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Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Furthermore, buildings must now identify backup service providers to ensure repairs can be made even if primary companies are unavailable or out of business.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has assured visitors that the country has a proper security plan for the event, including specialized training for officials, planning and operational exercises, early warning systems and security measures around stadiums, airports, roads and hotels.
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Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
These worst-case scenario twisters aren’t guaranteed to develop, but there’s a more significant chance than usual for this time of year.
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Mary Gilbert,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
He isn’t guaranteed to play in Texas high school football this season, as the District 11-6A executive committee ruled him ineligible due to a transfer for athletic purposes.
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Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 June 2026