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 insureExpanding 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
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.