Definition of assurancenext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word assurance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of assurance are aplomb, confidence, and self-possession. While all these words mean "a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment," 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

When can aplomb be used instead of assurance?

While the synonyms aplomb and assurance are close in meaning, aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations.

handled the reporters with great aplomb

When might confidence be a better fit than assurance?

The synonyms confidence and assurance are sometimes interchangeable, but confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance.

the confidence that comes from long experience

When is self-possession a more appropriate choice than assurance?

The words self-possession and assurance can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of assurance The Guardian also reported that Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio, initially skeptical of engaging with figures from Maduro’s inner circle, came to see Rodríguez’s assurances as a potential way to prevent instability following Maduro’s removal. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026 The assurances, however, did little to slow the speculation. Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026 Mattering is the assurance that our presence and actions are significant to others. Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026 The regime has pushed much of Iranian society toward a choice with no credible guarantees, and no assurance that Iranians themselves will shape what comes next. Omid Memarian, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for assurance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assurance
Noun
  • If anything, this incident suggests that premature certainty may have extended beyond the officer involved to those who rushed to defend his actions.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
  • This genetic certainty has made the disease especially devastating for families, which may watch the illness unfold in one generation while younger relatives live for years under the shadow of uncertainty about their own future.
    William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Many CEOs assume that once a capable CFO is in place, financial confidence will follow.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Now the public appears to have lost confidence in Noem.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The index looks at factors like store locations, cleanliness, order pickup and food freshness to determine customer satisfaction.
    Annasofia Scheve, San Antonio Express-News, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The organization advocates for bell-to-bell bans that require phones to be stored out of reach, saying stricter rules can improve student and teacher satisfaction.
    Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The typical composure is gone from his game.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Ruffier was impressed by Bresson’s composure and willingness to engage.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Schlegel has an extensive criminal record and had an outstanding 2025 warrant for escape related to a previous human trafficking conviction, authorities said.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 28 Jan. 2026
  • When CEOs treat financial advice as a substitute for judgment, leadership starts to erode, decisions slow down, and conviction weakens.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • And those classic moments of self-assurance are ending with more buckets than ever.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Such self-assurance brings nagging blind spots.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Assurance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assurance. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

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