Synonyms of ensure

ensure

verb

in-ˈshu̇r 

as in to assure

to make sure, certain, or safe

regulations that ensure the wholesomeness of our food

Synonyms & Similar Words

• assure
• guarantee
• insure
• secure
• guaranty
• ice
• cinch
• promise
• certify
• vouch
• witness
• warrant
• pledge
• swear
• attest

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• undermine
• weaken
• enfeeble

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of ensure

Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways. —Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 1 July 2025

France has issued a restrictive outdoor smoking ban, including at public parks, swimming pools, beaches, or anywhere children may be present, to ensure their protection. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 1 July 2025

How can Canada ensure that its political, military, and economic institutions survive? —Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025

Keep your operating system and the Amazon app updated to the latest version to ensure the best security protections are in place. —Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025