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 ensureThe same healing processes that ensure recovery from lighter burns also can cause intense scarring, inflammation, and even organ failure in more severe cases.—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026 Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy.—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 5 Feb. 2026 Originally built in 1849 by the Champawat clan, the historic structure has been meticulously restored to ensure the grand architecture of Rajasthan remains the focus.—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2026 Elgin police were present to ensure students stayed on sidewalks and were safe while crossing streets.—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ensure
This isn’t shaping up as one of those years with a McDavid-level or even Bedard-level prospect waiting with the first pick, but in a way that’s even more incentive to tank for dead last, assuring no worse than a top-three pick in a year where that still might get you the best player.
—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Vonn clapped back on both, assuring the doctor that her ACL was, in fact, fully torn and the mental performance coach that her life was quite full, thank you very much.
Whether Republicans and Democrats would be willing to pass another short-term DHS funding extension to buy time for a compromise isn't guaranteed, either.
—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Dalton is guaranteed $2 million in 2026, but Morgan has openly discussed his desire to add a younger, developmental quarterback to the mix behind Young.
—
Mike Kaye
February 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Feb. 2026