How is the word insure distinct from other similar verbs?
Some common synonyms of insure are assure, ensure, and secure. While all these words mean "to make a thing or person sure," insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand.
careful planning should insure the success of the party
When can assure be used instead of insure?
In some situations, the words assure and insure are roughly equivalent. However, assure distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind.
I assure you that no harm will be done
How is ensure related to other words for insure?
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
When is secure a more appropriate choice than insure?
The words secure and insure 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 insureBut the returns are just part of the equation, as that $50,000 principal will be protected and insured, too.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
16 June 2026 In one of the health plans, for example, an OCPS teacher who insured a spouse or domestic partner would see the per-paycheck costs rise from about $300 this year to $675 next year.—
Steven Walker,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 June 2026 The couple would be wise to solicit recommendations from friends – even keeping a running list, just in case, plus agree that anyone coming into the home for repairs needs to be bonded and insured.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2026 While this is not federally required for borrowers taking out proprietary mortgages not insured by the FHA, most state and local governments also require it for these loans.—
Kelsey Neubauer,
CNBC,
15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for insure
A little more than an hour before his post-match press conference in the bowels of SoFi Stadium, Pochettino watched his USA team give up a last-second goal to Turkey that ensured a 3-2 defeat in this final match of the group stage.
—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
Its temperature sensor also monitors room temperature and adjusts airflow to ensure the home is never too hot or too cold.
The Dodgers have not taken the division just yet, but taking two out of three from the Padres assures their stronghold isn’t loosening anytime soon.
—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
Should Portugal have rested Ronaldo against Colombia, considering Portugal entered Saturday’s match already assured of advancing to the knockout stage?
—
Anthony Chiang
June 27,
Miami Herald,
28 June 2026
Rigorous, exhaustive testing of all tracks, signaling systems, and vehicles is the standard industry practice for major airport transit infrastructure to guarantee seamless long-term system integration.
—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
After the top four picks, the remaining 10 lottery teams are slotted in according to their records (meaning that the worst team is guaranteed at least the fifth pick).