Synonym Chooser

How is the word assure distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of assure are ensure, insure, and secure. While all these words mean "to make a thing or person sure," assure distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind.

I assure you that no harm will be done

How does the word ensure relate to other synonyms for assure?

Ensure, insure, and assure are interchangeable in many contexts where they indicate the making certain or inevitable of an outcome, but ensure may imply a virtual guarantee.

the government has ensured the safety of the refugees

Where would insure be a reasonable alternative to assure?

The synonyms insure and assure are sometimes interchangeable, but insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand.

careful planning should insure the success of the party

In what contexts can secure take the place of assure?

In some situations, the words secure and assure are roughly equivalent. However, secure implies action taken to guard against attack or loss.

sent reinforcements to secure their position

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 assure Boxall still agreed to care for Tilly after her pregnancy announcement and after her brother assured her the dog was not due to give birth during his vacation. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Officials cannot expect small companies and their investors to participate if orders cannot be assured and if those orders are limited to a single year. Gary Roughead, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2025 While litigation continues, Gandy has tried to assure members that this isn't the end. Andrea Hsu, NPR, 1 Sep. 2025 Limonov, being dead, is one of the few characters appearing under his own name, and a pre-film credit assures us that The Wizard of the Kremlin is a work of fiction. Damon Wise, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assure
Verb
  • Cal Fire’s Pierce acknowledged that history during his Friday update and tried to reassure residents.
    The Press Democrat, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Risks outside of resorts McDonald explained that resorts and cruise lines work hard to maintain reputations for safety, often downplaying incidents to reassure guests.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Watering dill the day before harvesting ensures that the leaves are hydrated and not dry or wilting, which gives the leaves better flavor.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Sturdy box-quilt stitching ensures the comforter’s filling remains evenly distributed, even through cycles in the washer and dryer.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • There’s something comforting about returning to the familiar rhythms of the last sitcom everyone seemed to be watching at the same time, even if only one member of the original cast, Oscar Nuñez, reprises his role.
    Judy Berman, Time, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Mayor Rudy Giuliani took down the Mafia, saved New York City, comforted the nation following 9/11, and served in countless other ways to improve the lives of others.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But Prescott's return and the addition of Pickens alone don't guarantee that Dallas will be a top-flight offense.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Markopoulos might include a warm bath or shower, reading a physical book, listening to soothing music, or drinking a caffeine free herbal tea.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The beef is tender, and the broth has that nice aromatic spice that is immediately soothing and associated with a classic beef noodle soup.
    Shindy Chen, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assure. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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