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 permit helps ensure discharge doesn’t hurt water quality or public health. Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 The design also balances user experience with publisher ecosystem health by ensuring clear attribution and driving traffic back to original sources. William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2025 Its Multi-Sensor System, combining infrared detection, ultrasonic sensors, and an AI camera, ensures accurate navigation, while the real-time app control allows users to direct the cleaning process to specific areas. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 17 May 2025 Many modern accounting firms follow a detailed transition framework that helps ensure that data migration, system integration and workflow adjustments happen without major disruptions. Loran Armstrong, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ensure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensure
Verb
  • Dina assures her that the baby’s okay, then eases Ellie’s shirt over her head to clean her injuries.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 26 May 2025
  • It hasn't been assured House Republicans would get this done.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • It was built after decades of fraud to guarantee that votes are counted, verified, and trusted.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense plan was inspired by Israel’s multitiered defenses Israeli leaders say the system isn’t 100% guaranteed, but credit it with preventing serious damage and countless casualties.
    Kazem Kazerounian, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ensure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensure. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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