assurance

noun as·sur·ance \ ə-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s \

|Updated on: 3 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: assurance in a Sentence

Definition of assurance

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 ¹real 2); also : the instrument (see ¹instrument 4) by which it is conveyed

c chiefly British : insurance

See assurance defined for English-language learners

See assurance defined for kids

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 of assurance from the Web

Any uncertainty about post-Brexit port operations is brushed aside with the assurance that there will be a technological fix to it all.

— georgina voss, The Atlantic, "Brexit Could Cripple Britain’s Ports," 20 June 2018
In each case, there is a seeming assurance of an enduring NBA contributor, but no guarantee of an All-Star future, similar to what the Heat ostensibly has mined with 2015 No.

— ira winderman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Heat search for greatness bypasses 2018 NBA draft seemingly lacking in it," 17 June 2018
There’d have to be some assurances that Leonard would stay and re-sign with his new team.

— nat newell and j. michael, Indianapolis Star, "How the Pacers could trade for Kawhi Leonard," 15 June 2018
There may be a great deal of specificity that comes out of the Singapore summit, or there may be vague assurances of work to be done down the line.

— jamie tarabay, CNN, "How Trump and Kim made it to 'hello'," 9 June 2018
The price of power may have been private assurances that aspects of the security establishment would be left untouched, says Harry Verhoeven of Georgetown University.

— The Economist, "A charismatic young leader tries to calm ethnic tension in Ethiopia," 5 Apr. 2018
But there are no assurances for Becker or anyone with the organization.

— joseph person, charlotteobserver, "NFL meetings got weird despite, and because of, absence of Panthers’ Jerry Richardson | Charlotte Observer," 28 Mar. 2018
But there's no such assurance when ordering from a catalog or the Internet.

— dan gill, NOLA.com, "Keep these plants out of your South Louisiana garden," 17 Mar. 2018
There must be assurances that these new tax revenues are not diverted to other state budget needs.

— phillip molnar, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Should the state gas tax be repealed?," 23 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'assurance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of assurance

see assure

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 3a

See Words from the same year

assurance Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

ASSURANCE Defined for English Language Learners

assurance

noun

Definition of assurance for English Language Learners

: the state of being sure or certain about something
: a strong feeling of confidence about yourself or about being right
: a strong and definite statement that something will happen or that something is true