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 These optical qualities mean the coating can generate clean energy while keeping the glass clear and natural-looking, and ensure that windows remain visually indistinguishable from ordinary glass. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025 More technically, the TLS protocol provides a comprehensive framework for ensuring this trust. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 4 Sep. 2025 Remove the garment from the washer and check to ensure the stain has successfully been removed. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025 Yost recommended the school district investigate the matter and ensure its teachers and staff are trained on the law. David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ensure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensure
Verb
  • Since Blood of My Blood has already been renewed for a second season, viewers can rest assured that Julia and Henry’s reunion is a matter of when and how, not if.
    Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Concentrating the Black population in a majority-minority district assures some degree of representation.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ensure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensure. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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