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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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 This amendment was adopted in the aftermath of the Civil War to ensure that no government, no ideology, could ever again strip individuals of their fundamental rights based on lineage or place of origin. Vilerka Bilbao, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025 Dating back to spring training, pitching coach Dusty Blake and manager Oli Marmol were deliberate about how the first six weeks of the season would play out, mapping out team off days and workload to ensure the rotation could maximize its effort while remaining well-rested. Katie Woo, New York Times, 16 May 2025 Tips From The Southern Living Test Kitchen Pre-cooking the onion and bell pepper until tender ensures that no extra moisture affects the taste and texture of the omelet. Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 16 May 2025 Designed with functionality at the forefront, each pot comes equipped with drainage holes, which help prevent overwatering and ensure water doesn't accumulate at the bottom of the pot, reducing the risk of root rot while promoting healthy growth. Toni Sutton, People.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ensure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensure
Verb
  • Defense attorney Raven Liberty told the Miami Herald that three years ago, the Broward State Attorney’s Office assured the defense that Melly’s lyrics wouldn’t be used against him.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025
  • The club did not bring in psychologists in an attempt to lift spirits, though sources in the dressing room assure The Athletic that each player has access to his own psychologist or personal coach if required.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • That would guarantee home field advantage for regional and super regional rounds for the team that leads college baseball with 32 home victories.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 17 May 2025
  • The founding documents of the United States of America guarantee unalienable rights to the people.
    Moti Mizrahi, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ensure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensure. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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