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 insureIn total, authorities allege the network carried out or attempted more than 100 jackpotting attacks against banks and credit unions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the National Credit Union Administration.—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Dec. 2025 But the confusion becomes a serious problem when staying insured depends on navigating new rules, paperwork and deadlines.—Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 26 Dec. 2025 Now prenups are being pitched to young professional women as a way to take charge of their finances and insure better remuneration.—Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025 As of December 2025, 40 states and the District of Columbia have implemented Medicaid expansion, insuring about 20 million Americans.—Robert Applebaum, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insure
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.
—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
The video also appeared to depict the officers did not take immediate steps to ensure that Good received emergency medical care after the shooting took place.
Taking the podium, Jaramillo humbly thanked Hudak and his fellow officers for their support and Mayor Vince Lago praised Jaramillo, saying the city was blessed to have him and assured him that Coral Gables would always stand behind him.
—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
Rest assured, Griffiths has always collected his full salary.
This tension was on display in Paris this week, when representatives from 35 countries, including the US, discussed how to guarantee Ukraine’s post-war security in the event of a peace deal with Russia.
—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
The fact that that play went to Broadway at all was not guaranteed.
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