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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensure
Verb
  • 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.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 17 June 2025
  • However, she was assured that everything would be safe.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
  • Yes, that’s Riley at the 1987 Lakers championship parade guaranteeing that his team would be back celebrating another title one year later.
    The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ensure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensure. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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