How is the word insure distinct from other similar verbs?
Some common synonyms of insure are assure, ensure, and secure. While all these words mean "to make a thing or person sure," insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand.
careful planning should insure the success of the party
When can assure be used instead of insure?
In some situations, the words assure and insure are roughly equivalent. However, assure distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind.
I assure you that no harm will be done
How is ensure related to other words for insure?
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
When is secure a more appropriate choice than insure?
The words secure and insure 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 insureThis, in turn, is increasing the risk faced by carriers insuring properties across the country and leading them to either increase premiums or leave the most vulnerable areas.—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 They aren’t insured by the FDIC but may be protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), up to $500,000.—Michelle Fox, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025 Absent a universal measure to insure private risk-takers, the long-term consequences are dangerous.—Ugo Troiano, Oc Register, 25 Oct. 2025 Porter was monitoring the concentration to insure that the scene didn’t turn unnecessarily deadly.—Katie Thornton, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insure
For example, as part of its agreement with OpenAI, Nvidia has reportedly discussed guaranteeing loans the startup would use to build its own data centers—a move that could leave the chipmaker on the hook for billions in debt if OpenAI can’t repay.
—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
That wasn't guaranteed at the beginning of this effort a few months ago.
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