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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

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
For the first half of her tenure, Engelbert seemed to enjoy a positive relationship with the players, securing major corporate partners, working with the union on a collective-bargaining agreement that looked historic at the time, keeping the league afloat during the COVID pandemic. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025 Among those battling for the podium were the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri who secured enough points to ensure that the British team sealed this year’s constructors’ championship, even with six races remaining. Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Anti-theft crossbody bags that are perfect for secure sightseeing are in the mix too, from just $8, plus waterproof dry bags from $10 that keep your phone and belongings from getting wet on the go. Kayla Becker, Travel + Leisure, 2 Oct. 2025 Quantum technologies promise secure communication, faster computing, and powerful sensing. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The commission reports the use of the ATMs by scammers, who urge consumers to deposit cash into them to protect their savings, is on the rise.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The agency stated that the price adjustments are being implemented to help cover additional handling costs and ensure a successful peak season, according to a news release.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The measure has been long sought to ensure that every penny of tax paid at the pump goes toward road and bridge improvements.
    Paul Egan, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Anna fastened her meaning on Vronsky; Levin fastens his meaning on the land.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
  • The brooch was eventually fastened to an even more extravagant necklace, featuring 16 Colombian emeralds set between diamond quatrefoils.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And if that concoction of unpredictable strengths wasn’t enough, Florida even won in special teams, blocking a Texas punt for a safety in the second quarter.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Also of note, four panelists are picking the Houston Texans to beat the Baltimore Ravens without Lamar Jackson, while two are projecting the Ravens to win by a field goal in a tight matchup.
    Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Stankonia collaborators remember Outkast feeling confident during recording sessions for their fourth studio album, which has been lauded for bringing the Dirty South hip-hop sensibility to such genres as funk, gospel and psychedelia.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
  • But the Cardinals' legend is confident that the underdog can come out on top.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Fields slept at downtown bus stops, often gathering with groups or pretending to have a firearm in her coat to stay safe.
    Ashley Hiruko, ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2025
  • No payment data was accessed within the breach, meaning information like credits cards or transaction history was safe.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Public chargers also need to be reliable.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • During the past decade, Tranter has established himself as one of the music industry’s most reliable hitmakers, thanks to his clever, boisterous lyricism and dramatic, over-the-top choruses and hooks.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • On paper, this is a deep, talented defense that skates well, defends hard, and can move the puck.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Much to the frustration of sleuthing fans, Sherman-Palladino has continued to defend the miniseries’ ending, saying her concern wasn’t with the goings on of any of the aforementioned men.
    Claire Franken, TVLine, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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