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as in to ensure
to make sure, certain, or safe a retirement account that will help to secure our future

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to fasten
to put securely in place or in a desired position candidates for admission are asked to secure a recent photo to their application forms

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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secure

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word secure distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of secure are assure, ensure, and insure. While all these words mean "to make a thing or person sure," secure implies action taken to guard against attack or loss.

sent reinforcements to secure their position

When can assure be used instead of secure?

The words assure and secure can be used in similar contexts, but assure distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind.

I assure you that no harm will be done

How does the word ensure relate to other synonyms for secure?

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 it sensible to use insure instead of secure?

While the synonyms insure and secure are close in meaning, insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand.

careful planning should insure the success of the party

Examples of secure in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
To create humidity, cover the plant with a plastic bag and secure it with a rubber band. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024 Hair stylist Aaron Light styled her hair in a ponytail, flipping the ends and securing her signature headband with a tight bow at the back. Mikelle Street, WWD, 25 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Spanish actress Karla Sofía Gascón is the only Best European Actress 2024 nominee who has consistently been in the Oscar conversation, so her Best Actress campaign remains secure. Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024 The relaxed fit is perfect for people who don’t want to be restricted in trail leggings but still want a lightweight item with secure zips, multiple pockets, and even a lower-leg zip for easy on/off boot action. Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for secure 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • Real user feedback helps identify potential issues early, ensuring a smoother experience at launch and protecting your brand’s reputation by delivering a product that truly resonates with its audience.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
  • That’s one reason community groups in Pacoima adopted a Displacement Avoidance Plan aimed at protecting residents and business owners from being priced out as revitalization ramps up.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Your support ensures Vox a stable, independent source of funding to underpin our journalism.
    Rachel M. Cohen, Vox, 30 Oct. 2024
  • Additionally, if using this method on tile, ensure the grout is sealed so the vinegar doesn’t weaken it.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Sometimes, the bodies were fastened to the boats and paddled to an opening in the shoreline.
    Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
  • The jacket’s long-sleeve cuffs can be rolled up or down and fastened with snap buttons, offering an adjustable length.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Powerball numbers:Anyone win Saturday night's drawing?
    Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Oct. 2024
  • Meador wins Elite championship Steven Meador won the Beaver Lake Elite Series two-day championship held Oct. 19-20 at Beaver Lake.
    Flip Putthoff, arkansasonline.com, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The survey showed more confident CEOs have plans to pursue more M&A, and less confident CEOs have more plans to pursue divestment.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Not being afraid to ask others for help was the most common answer, along with being confident.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • At Martin’s home, authorities found a safe hidden in the basement that contained $107,387, mainly in $100 bills, and included $2,610 in cash that authorities had marked in a sting operation against the sheriff.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2024
  • Results of a poll released in August 2022 showed only 41% of voters feel safe at polling places, including just 28% of Black people and 37% of Latinos.
    Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 27 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • That’s why investing in a reliable water purification system is so important.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Winter hikers will want to invest in a pair of boots that provide reliable grip on snow, ice, and slick trails, so the Hoka Women’s Kaha 2 Gtx Hiking Boots are a no-brainer since they’re fitted with Gore-Tex exteriors alongside a waterproof shell to keep your feet warm and dry all season long.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Yesterday, after the statue had been memed nearly to death for 24 hours, Wade defended it, and stood up for the sculptors.
    Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024
  • Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos defended his decision to end his paper's decades-long tradition of endorsing presidential candidates in an op-ed on Monday.
    Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 29 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near secure

Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

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