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 insureThe second step is to hire a licensed and insured land surveyor to conduct an instrument survey of your property.—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 21 Jan. 2026 The gems were also not privately insured, in accordance with French law.—CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026 These mean that the ships can’t be insured in these jurisdictions, and that service and port bans can be imposed.—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 18 Jan. 2026 The project secured funding from the Florida Blue Foundation and local nonprofits Changing Lives of Boca Raton and Go Therefore to purchase, repair, insure and beautify the bus.—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insure
One of the world’s largest energy consumers - India - is upping its clout in the sector by creating multibillion dollar opportunities in both traditional as well as renewable segments to ensure its security of supply.
—
Gaurav Sharma,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.
—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
23 Jan. 2026
Like Byrne, his place on the best-actor Oscar line-up now looks assured.
—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
12 Jan. 2026
Like Genesis on Duke, the members of King Crimson had upgraded their equipment for a new era, assuring that, not only could no one else play like them, few could even identify the instruments.
Newcastle face the toughest task, playing defending European champions PSG in Paris knowing even a win won’t guarantee them a top-eight spot because of goal difference potentially coming into play.
—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Its dual mission is to bridge the early-stage funding gap and guarantee global access, ensuring products aren’t confined to wealthy markets for decades but are introduced in low- and middle-income countries in parallel.