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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ensureNew arrival John Victor was at the stadium yesterday to witness a game in which Matz Sels, his fellow goalkeeper, produced a string of impressive saves to ensure the 3-0 scoreline of Forest’s defeat by visitors West Ham did not end up being even more painful.—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025 Beyond self-service tools, Lenzing Pro facilitates direct connections with Lenzing’s experts, ensuring partners receive tailored support that accelerates decision making and problem-solving.—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 1 Sep. 2025 Estate planning can help organize the family’s giving, as well as provide the legal and financial framework to ensure those goals are sustained.—Wendy Stewart, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2025 The Louisville Ethics Commission was formed in 2003 and is responsible for ensuring enforcement and administration of the city's Code of Ethics.—Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ensure
At this stage, there are no names assured of one of the top recruitment jobs, but delegating responsibilities from vacated positions to existing staff could help streamline what is a large headcount, which some feel already overlaps in places.
—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
If your current TikTok feed is full of Gen-Z and millennial users debating short nails verses long-almond nail shape nails, rest assured that burgundy nails work with either camp.
The business group also emphasized that the licenses still do not guarantee steady access to the rare earths, increasing uncertainty for businesses.
—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
For instance, New York State’s order allows pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines at no cost; New Jersey’s cannot guarantee coverage by all insurance plans.
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