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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 Wall Street is looking for assurance that Apple’s biggest revenue driver is still growing despite concerns that the company is behind in the AI race. Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025 The idea of winning Rs 1 crore had driven countless Indians to try their luck at KBC, dedicating years to memorizing trivia with no assurance of ever being able to compete on the show. Snigdha Poonam, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025 In fact, military buildups without diplomatic assurances are prone to be interpreted by China’s leadership as confirmations of hostile intent. Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025 His legal team condemned the plan as unconstitutional and punitive, warning that without assurances from Liberia, Abrego Garcia could be sent back to El Salvador. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assurance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assurance
Noun
  • Erling Haaland’s extraordinary goal output aside, the old certainties have been missing.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Unlike a seventh victory of the season, a 955th catch while wearing a Chargers lightning bolt on the sides of his helmet seems almost like a certainty.
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The captain also saw what everyone else did on Saturday, too — Michkov’s confidence seems to be on the rise.
    Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Truly’s confidence and abilities certainly don’t appear to be an issue.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • According to recent data from Cruise Lines International Association, river cruises are rated among the vacation types highest in satisfaction when compared with all-inclusive resorts or traditional land vacations.
    DeAnna Taylor, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The virtual assistant also cut waiting times, and customer satisfaction scores rose by 23%.
    Angelica Ang, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Former Alabama safety Eddie Jackson, now with the Chicago Bears, said Simpson’s confidence and composure remind him of veteran players who have already seen it all.
    Grant Afseth, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Even the imperfections in the costume — the slightly off-shoulder veil, the asymmetry — hint at the cracks in her composure.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The Supreme Court last month declined to take up Maxwell’s appeal of her conviction.
    Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Paris — Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from prison after a Paris court ruled Monday he could be freed pending an appeal for his September conviction for criminal conspiracy, according to CNN affiliate BFMTV.
    Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • To me, that’s a sign of growing self-assurance, not intolerance.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • There are very few people who have Posey’s level of self-assurance.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assurance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assurance. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

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