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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
Roberto Schmidt | Afp | Getty Images SpaceX is one of the nation’s largest federal contractors, securing $3.8 billion over hundreds of government contracts in fiscal year 2024 alone, The New York Times reported. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 5 June 2025 Each one rests in your outer ear and has a small wing to secure its fit. PC Magazine, 5 June 2025
Adjective
The change addresses long-standing equity concerns within the global Muslim community, where repeat pilgrims from wealthier nations could more easily secure spots than first-time pilgrims from developing countries. Juwayriah Wright, Time, 4 June 2025 Use unique passwords that are hard to guess and let a password manager do the heavy lifting by generating secure ones for you. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • Bear in mind, a tent does not protect you from lightning.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 May 2025
  • The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
    Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • The design also balances user experience with publisher ecosystem health by ensuring clear attribution and driving traffic back to original sources.
    William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2025
  • The permit helps ensure discharge doesn’t hurt water quality or public health.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • The new script must inform passengers to remain seated with seat belts fastened until the plane reaches its final stop and explicitly state that violations will be reported.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • The glossy leather design featured a central strap running from toe to ankle, fastened at the sides with a buckle.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Harvard has fought back in the courts, winning a temporary restraining order on May 23 that will allow international enrollments to continue as the case makes its way through the courts.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • Del Bosque’s Work Is About More Than Sporting Excellence Del Bosque is the only coach to win the World Cup, Euros, and Champions League (this one with Real Madrid in 2000 and 2002).
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • But negative feelings are running high across all sectors; the most confident sector in April was construction, and that was down nearly 4 points from January.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Sounding relaxed and confident, Arnault kicked off a 30-minute conversation with high praise for Chiuri, whose engaging narratives, graceful designs and merchandising prowess quadrupled the size of Dior, according to HSBC estimates.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 June 2025
  • However, more research is needed to determine if more than one to two eggs per day is safe.
    Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Lightweight, quick-drying, and trail-tough, these pants have been a reliable companion for hiking and travel.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2025
  • Its toll is seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts, though Israel has challenged its numbers.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • A day after the singer, 38, shocked fans by walking the 2025 American Music Awards red carpet with a blonde bob — a far departure from her trademark long locks — Pratt, 41, defended his wife against hate comments.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 28 May 2025
  • After seeing his pleas for peace talks or a ceasefire go unanswered for months, Trump conceded that he’s defended Putin in discussions over what to do next about Russia’s new attacks in Ukraine.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

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