as in to assure
to make sure, certain, or safe regulations that ensure the wholesomeness of our food

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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 ensure The researchers used a series of methods involving x-rays, CT scans, and microscopic and chemical analyses to ensure that the fleshy parts were indeed just a clay molding. Andrea Tamayo, Scientific American, 23 Oct. 2025 When using a frost cloth, ensure it is securely anchored to the ground. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025 Customers will receive an email update after their parcel is processed, detailing how their items were routed, ensuring transparency throughout the process. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025 This designation halts outpatient and elective procedures and ensures more beds are open for emergencies. Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ensure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensure
Verb
  • The shutdown was assured to continue into the next week.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Vance said he was assured the 25-24 vote in the Israeli Knesset was purely symbolic.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Barcelona striker turned La Liga pundit Gary Lineker reckons that one thing is guaranteed when his former club visit Real Madrid in Sunday’s Clasico at the Bernabeu.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • New Jerseyans’ electricity rates rose roughly 20% at the start of June as a result of price-setting capacity auctions—the market where power producers are paid to guarantee future supply.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ensure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensure. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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