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 ensureThese 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
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.
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Max Gao,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Sep. 2025
Concentrating the Black population in a majority-minority district assures some degree of representation.
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