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 insureAnd not only will the principal remain secure and the interest be dependable, but savers won't have to worry about other, adverse economic factors as well, considering that CD accounts are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per account.—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026 In parallel, Medicare and Medicaid set payment increases well below the cost of delivering care, driving hospitals and physicians to make up the difference by charging higher rates to the privately insured.—Robert Pearl, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026 Reliable cars that are fuel efficient and affordable to insure are the most affordable for drivers.—Charles Singh, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026 Rother challenged the notion that State Farm agents have a duty to inspect properties before insuring them.—J.c. Hallman, Oklahoman, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insure
Party leaders fear the growing possibility that the crowded field will split the Democratic electorate in the state’s June top-two primary election and result in two Republicans advancing to the November ballot, ensuring a Republican governor being elected for the first time since 2006.
—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Passing the baton ‘beautifully’ Another priority is to ensure a smooth hand-off to Aflac’s next CEO.
—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Mar. 2026
But as its season continues to descend further into disaster, Musselman assured that things were still moving in the right direction ahead of Wednesday’s game against Washington in the conference tournament.
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Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Historically, assured access to space has meant having more than one way to reach orbit.
The winners will not face an opponent in the general election and are guaranteed seats on the board.
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Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Mar. 2026
By guaranteeing loans issued by private lenders, the SBA enables lower interest rates, longer repayment terms and financing for businesses that might otherwise struggle to secure credit.
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Krish O'Mara Vignarajah,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Mar. 2026