Definition of insurenext
as in to ensure
to make sure, certain, or safe took steps to insure the timely completion of the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 insure Expanding coverage could help keep more young cancer patients insured. Rhonda Winegar, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2026 Yet some of those same states are being forced to beef up building requirements as severe storms, floods and wildfires make property too costly to insure without stricter codes. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 Before the news was official, when it was reported only that Murray had been offered the job, Hurley threw up a note of caution, looking out for his guys, hoping to insure the right questions were being asked. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026 However, insuring hybrids tends to cost less than electric-only cars. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insure
Verb
  • Communities with more complex governance arrangements may need legal review to ensure their governing documents are in compliance.
    Evonne Andris, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Oman is closely aligned with its Gulf neighbors, whom analysts view as determined to ensure the strait’s return to prewar status.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Altman assured him that Sutskever was holding firm.
    Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • But Mas assured skeptics that all would work out.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Norwich offered a seven-year deal, guaranteeing a year as a professional player.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Finishing above the ninth seed guarantees the Hornets at least one home postseason game, which would mark the first time that’s happened since Game 6 of their first-round playoff series against Miami in 2016.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insure. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on insure

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster