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 ensureBedding essentials like cooling mattresses, breathable sheets, and gel pillows are all necessities anytime of year to ensure a sweat-free sleep.—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2025 With that goal in mind, Dijkstra has constructed a scheme to ensure that King Radovid stops drinking and sulking over Jaskier and embraces his role as one of the few remaining leaders who can oppose Emhyr’s army.—Scott Meslow, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025 Discovering objects with enough warning time can ensure measures are taken to reduce or illuminate risk, the researchers urged.—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025 Leaving essential features like Find My iPhone or Emergency Calls & SOS enabled under System Services ensures your phone can still help locate or protect you if it's lost, even with other location options turned off.—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ensure
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.
—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
That wasn't guaranteed at the beginning of this effort a few months ago.
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