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 ensureThe bill also allows the Appropriations, Human Services and Public Health committees to annually hold a joint informational hearing to review DDS and DSS efforts to ensure the safety and quality of care for people with disabilities, according to the bill’s analysis.—Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2025 Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 20 June 2025 Controlling a fire means ensuring that the fire can't spread or cross the containment line.—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025 Thinly sliced raw white onion and dill pickles bring the flavors into focus, ensuring nothing feels too heavy.—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ensure
Around the same time the Childers concert pictures leaked, a source once again went to People to assure the masses that all is well for NepoLand’s favorite chill couple.
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Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
17 June 2025
However, she was assured that everything would be safe.
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