assurance

noun

as·​sur·​ance ə-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s 

1

: the state of being assured: such as

a

: a being certain in the mind

the puritan's assurance of salvation

b

: confidence of mind or manner : easy freedom from self-doubt or uncertainty

spoke with assurance about his future plans

also : excessive self-confidence : brashness, presumption

c

: security

2

: something that inspires or tends to inspire confidence

gave repeated assurances of goodwill

3

: the act or action of assuring someone or something: such as

a

: pledge, guarantee

You have my solemn assurance that it is true.

b

: the act of conveying real property (see real entry 1 sense 2)

also : the instrument (see instrument entry 1 sense 5) by which it is conveyed

c

chiefly British : insurance

Synonyms of assurance

• certainty
• confidence
• satisfaction
• conviction

Choose the Right Synonym for assurance

confidence, assurance, self-possession, aplomb mean a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment.

confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance.

the confidence that comes from long experience

assurance carries a stronger implication of certainty and may suggest arrogance or lack of objectivity in assessing one's own powers.

handled the cross-examination with complete assurance

self-possession implies an ease or coolness under stress that reflects perfect self-control and command of one's powers.

answered the insolent question with complete self-possession

aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations.

handled the reporters with great aplomb

Examples of assurance in a Sentence

They lent us the money with the assurance that they would be repaid soon.

He has the assurance of continued support from his boss.

He spoke with quiet assurance about his future plans.

She gave him every assurance that she would be there when he returned.

Recent Examples on the Web

With the growing season on the horizon, peach farmers are deciding whether to pull their trees without the assurance of financial help, or invest in maintaining orchards bearing fruit without a buyer. —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026

The operator’s assurances that police had his location did nothing to calm him. —Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 8 Mar. 2026

Anthropic sought assurance that its technology would not be tapped for fully autonomous weapons or domestic mass surveillance, but the DOD wanted Anthropic to grant the agency unfettered access to Claude across all lawful purposes. —Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026

Currently, the local select board is refusing to hand out an entertainment license to FIFA, amid federal funding delays and a lack of assurances from the Boston host committee and FIFA. —Adam Crafton, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see assure

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing assurance

• life assurance
• quality assurance
• self-assurance

Rhymes for assurance

• insurance
• durance
• reassurance
• reinsurance

Kids Definition

assurance

noun

as·​sur·​ance ə-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s 

1

: the act of assuring

2

: the state of being sure or certain

3

chiefly British : insurance sense 1

4

: self-confidence

Legal Definition

assurance

noun

as·​sur·​ance

1

a

: the act of assuring

b

: guarantee sense 3

2

: the act of conveying real property

also : the document by which it is conveyed

3

chiefly British : insurance