assurance

noun

as·​sur·​ance ə-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s How to pronounce assurance (audio)
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
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
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 There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2024 Higher courts later overturned that decision after receiving assurances from the U.S. about his treatment, and the British government signed an extradition order in June 2022. Landon Mion, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2024 On the sales front, customers and new prospects are increasingly asking for assurances and information about cybersecurity defenses before spending dollars. Ethan Caldwell, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Writers in that genre telegraph authority while also demonstrating the assurance readers hope to cultivate for themselves. Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2024 In a bid to downplay the leak, Pistorius stressed Tuesday that Germany still has the trust of its allies and received assurances that their confidence in Berlin remains intact. Kate Brady, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 The United Nations is attempting to obtain assurances from Israel that police won’t be attacked, according to McGoldrick. Karen Deyoung, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024 Come morning, the scent is potent, yet also somehow gentle—kind of like a hug, if hugs were made of air and anticipation and the solid assurance of satiety. Benjamin Dubow, Longreads, 20 Feb. 2024 Britain’s High Court later reversed that decision after assurances from American officials about his treatment. Megan Specia, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'assurance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see assure

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of assurance was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near assurance

Cite this Entry

“Assurance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assurance. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

assurance

noun
as·​sur·​ance ə-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s How to pronounce assurance (audio)
1
: the act of assuring
2
: the state of being sure or certain
3
chiefly British : insurance sense 1
4

Legal Definition

assurance

noun
as·​sur·​ance
1
a
: the act of assuring
2
: the act of conveying real property
also : the document by which it is conveyed
3
chiefly British : insurance

More from Merriam-Webster on assurance

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