How is the word ensure distinct from other similar verbs?
Some common synonyms of ensure are assure, insure, and secure. While all these words mean "to make a thing or person sure," 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 assure be a reasonable alternative to ensure?
The meanings of assure and ensure largely overlap; however, assure distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind.
I assure you that no harm will be done
When could insure be used to replace ensure?
Although the words insure and ensure have much in common, insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand.
careful planning should insure the success of the party
When is secure a more appropriate choice than ensure?
The words secure and ensure can be used in similar contexts, but secure implies action taken to guard against attack or loss.
sent reinforcements to secure their position
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ensureDevaluing democracy in the name of security and compromising rights or freedoms to ensure order and control are bad options.—
Wendell Wallach,
Hartford Courant,
25 June 2026 This story’s author, StyleCaster contributing writer Jessie Quinn, scours the internet for the best of the best to ensure readers walk away with items recommended by our team, industry experts, and more.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
25 June 2026 After this preliminary assessment, the Georgia State Patrol was asked to take over the investigation to ensure a thorough and independent review.—
Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team,
CBS News,
25 June 2026 This approach ensures that the evaluator is unaware of which employee produced the product that is being assessed.—
Michelle Travis,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ensure
Austria, meanwhile, would all but assure itself of a spot in the knockout round with a point.
—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
The win assured the United States would win Group D and eliminated Turkey from any chance of advancing to the knockout round with its second straight loss.
Rigorous, exhaustive testing of all tracks, signaling systems, and vehicles is the standard industry practice for major airport transit infrastructure to guarantee seamless long-term system integration.
—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
After the top four picks, the remaining 10 lottery teams are slotted in according to their records (meaning that the worst team is guaranteed at least the fifth pick).