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 ensureThis Digital Unified Platform capability ensures that data is not just collected, but also contextualized, a key step the company emphasizes for effective AI/ML-readiness.—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025 For weeks, Pelosi had deflected questions about her political future, insisting her central focus was on ensuring that Prop 50 redistricting ballot measure passed in California.—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2025 Rodriguez didn't name nuclear energy specifically, but advocated for businesses to invest in renewable energy as part of the data center boom, and Roys agreed the state should ensure companies invest in upgrades to the state's energy infrastructure and shield ratepayers from higher costs.—Jessie Opoien, jsonline.com, 6 Nov. 2025 According to Rolls-Royce’s engineering highlight notes, each deck lid undergoes wind-resistance testing to ensure durability in high-pressure zones.—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ensure
Taking the podium, Jaramillo humbly thanked Hudak and his fellow officers for their support and Mayor Vince Lago praised Jaramillo, saying the city was blessed to have him and assured him that Coral Gables would always stand behind him.
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Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
Rest assured, Griffiths has always collected his full salary.
For example, as part of its agreement with OpenAI, Nvidia has reportedly discussed guaranteeing loans the startup would use to build its own data centers—a move that could leave the chipmaker on the hook for billions in debt if OpenAI can’t repay.
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Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
That wasn't guaranteed at the beginning of this effort a few months ago.
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