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

Example Sentences

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 Despite assurances from the TSA, the use of the technology has resulted in an outcry from many, including some in Congress. Brady Knox, Washington Examiner, 15 May 2023 Regional-bank stocks tumbled Thursday despite assurances from the Federal Reserve that the banking system is on solid footing. Gina Heeb, wsj.com, 4 May 2023 Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HOUSTON — Anthony DeSclafani is whirring along with such assurance that even with minimal backing and few strikeouts, the San Francisco Giants starter all but handcuffed the defending-champion Astros. Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 May 2023 Despite the administration’s assurances that people will have access to legal services, some immigrant advocates who were briefed by the administration are doubtful. Elliot Spagat, ajc, 1 May 2023 Yoon was rewarded with a greater say in how America deploys its nuclear umbrella and assurances it would be used to retaliate against a North Korean strike. Jon Herskovitz, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Apr. 2023 While Yellen's move did cover uninsured deposits at Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, there's no assurance future bank failures get the same treatment, noted Patricia McCoy, a Boston College law professor. Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 16 Apr. 2023 In addition to the dissolution of the school’s charter, the school board also voted to adopt a series of commitments with regard to the school, including assurance that Family Partnership funds would stay in an account reserved for expenses only related to the school. Morgan Krakow, Anchorage Daily News, 4 Apr. 2023 A number of other regional lenders also saw their stock plunge on SVB’s collapse, prompting their own assurances of financial stability. Jenny Surane, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2023 See More

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 4 Jun. 2023.

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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