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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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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

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
Channel 14, widely considered a Netanyahu mouthpiece, has repeatedly released polls showing that Netanyahu would secure a clear victory in the elections. — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026 Baugh is still scrambling to secure tickets for the game, with as many as 30 family members hoping to attend. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
The conference did not fine the school for the field storming, citing proper protocol to allow the opposing team a safe, secure exit from the field. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026 Remember not to enter passwords or credit card numbers into AI chats and instead only use secure platforms. — Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • More missiles, many more options This would significantly expand the ship’s ability to protect an entire naval task group, rather than primarily concentrating on defending itself and nearby assets.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Russia imposed temporary export controls on helium in April to protect its domestic supply.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • County officials responsible for issuing building permits have been accused of failing to conduct adequate inspections to ensure developers comply with safety guidelines and construction standards.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The Justice Department aims to send poll monitors to all 50 states in the 2026 midterms, marking an ambitious expansion of a longstanding federal initiative aimed at ensuring election integrity.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Paired with her chocolate brown booties, Camilla donned a black wool trench coat with button closures fastening the collar in place, layered over what appeared to be a cowl-neck blouse with a floral-esque pattern.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • So, fellow Chicagoans, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for the wildest, most unnerving rollercoaster ride of the four budget cycles that have comprised the city’s Brandon Johnson Experience.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But Ben-Gvir and his allies hope to win enough seats to force Netanyahu to accommodate their demands or risk losing power.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Election Day nears The stakes are high as the race Marshall was supposed to win handily is now neck-and-neck, according to recent polling.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • If Taipei refrains from crossing the ultimate red line of declaring formal independence, Beijing appears confident in its long-term strategy of integration.
    — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • In short, analysts are confident that music streaming services such as Spotify can enforce strict account policies, raise prices, and still make more money.
    — Nick Indge, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Students and teachers deserve safe buildings, and taxpayers deserve a clear explanation of what went wrong.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The high-voltage electronic safe-and-arm fuze is a mechanical device that controls the detonation of a warhead carried by a drone.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • However, reliable control and readout remain essential requirements for practical applications.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
  • While no real fans will turn off their NFL games because of some broadcast booth drama, the entire situation is a rare speed bump for what is otherwise the most reliable bet in all of TV.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Trump proceeded to defend the White House renovation for an additional five-odd minutes before delivering Obama a message directly.
    — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Egypt's president sought to reassure the public that the country wouldn't attack Yemen, and that the military support is limited to defending Saudi territory.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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