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

The talks can create a certain assurance that the two sides are moving in the same direction, Mendrala said. —Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026

Soon after, the weapon used is traced back to Sverre Olsen (Arthur Hakalahti), a young arms dealer operating in a downtown warehouse populated by the city’s underworld and, according to the 70 percent assurance of face recognition expert Beate (Ellen Helinder), a familiar presence within the force. —Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 23 Mar. 2026

Rodrigo Olalquiaga, project manager for AECOM, which oversees district construction, responded that the engineer for Stratus had provided assurance that the site was safe. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026

Green said his chief of staff spoke to the White House and received assurances the islands would have federal support. —Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Chicago Tribune, 21 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