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Definition of securenext
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as in to ensure
to make sure, certain, or safe a retirement account that will help to secure our future

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to fasten
to put securely in place or in a desired position candidates for admission are asked to secure a recent photo to their application forms

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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secure

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word secure distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of secure are assure, ensure, and insure. While all these words mean "to make a thing or person sure," secure implies action taken to guard against attack or loss.

sent reinforcements to secure their position

When can assure be used instead of secure?

The words assure and secure can be used in similar contexts, but assure distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind.

I assure you that no harm will be done

How does the word ensure relate to other synonyms for secure?

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 it sensible to use insure instead of secure?

While the synonyms insure and secure are close in meaning, insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand.

careful planning should insure the success of the party

How is the word secure distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of secure are assure, ensure, and insure. While all these words mean "to make a thing or person sure," secure implies action taken to guard against attack or loss.

sent reinforcements to secure their position

When can assure be used instead of secure?

The words assure and secure can be used in similar contexts, but assure distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind.

I assure you that no harm will be done

How does the word ensure relate to other synonyms for secure?

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 it sensible to use insure instead of secure?

While the synonyms insure and secure are close in meaning, insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand.

careful planning should insure the success of the party

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 secure
Verb
Read on for top tips for securing the best stay, dining experience, or activity using Tripadvisor coupons and discounts. Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026 Getting in early allows the group to secure lower rates and prioritize expensive and crowded markets. Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Families Safe, secure, and private with attentive staff, this is the perfect family holiday playground. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 The analysts cited more competition in secure access service edge (SASE), which is basically a digital security badge. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • The idea that Chelsea’s participation in the Club World Cup impacted them is not, according to people with knowledge of their outlook, who asked to be kept anonymous to protect relationships, a majority view at Chelsea.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • As the world gets warmer and garment workers in the global South continue to bear the brunt of rising temperatures, protecting them has never been more urgent.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Officials said Lopez played a key leadership role during recent wildfires, helping coordinate crews to ensure schools had proper air filtration systems in place.
    City News Service, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • This was the reality all but ensured since March 17, when general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton and the rest of the staff decided that trading for Dolphins star receiver Jaylen Waddle would be well worth the ultimate price of their first-round pick.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • My favorite detail is the red ribbon on Giovanna’s right shoulder, which fastens her sleeve to her dress and floats over the darkness.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The officer opened the door and entered the cell, finding Guaranda Gamboy with a bed sheet tied around his neck with the other end fastened to the door, according to Banevivius.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This marks their first winning streak of at least seven games within April since 1989 (also seven).
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
  • With the efficient righty throwing to a Red Sox lineup that entered the game 23rd in runs scored and 24th in wRC+, the Yankees won, 4-0.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • To wriggle out of Joseph’s grasp, Michael hires a brash young lawyer, John Branca, played by Miles Teller, who lends the coolly confident character a delightfully rough edge.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Owners should also be confident in their long-term plans for the property.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • As truck prices have risen, that tax has become a barrier to investing in newer, safer and cleaner vehicles.
    Andrew Stasiowski, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Officers said Figor's service made the city safer – and left a lasting bite out of crime.
    J.D. Miles, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Ellie Roebuck Hasn’t been capped since 2023 but back in the WSL with Aston Villa and back in Wiegman’s squad as a reliable reserve ‘keeper.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The genre hit its stride in the late-’90s and early-2000s, as the formula became a reliable commercial play.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In 2014, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration reinterpreted Article 9 to allow Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to more actively contribute to international peacekeeping efforts and defend allies.
    Sam Meredith,Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The Cubs will visit Dodger Stadium this weekend for a three-game series against the two-time defending World Series champions.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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