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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

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
The anti-Netanyahu bloc is expected to secure a majority in parliament, according to recent polls, as Netanyahu’s coalition partners trail far behind. Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 June 2026 The talks, set to take place in the Swiss Alps with Vance in attendance, were intended to begin a 60-day negotiating period focused on resolving key long-term issues and securing a permanent end to the fighting. Josh Feldman, NBC news, 19 June 2026
Adjective
Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey. Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 Keep important paper documents in a secure, waterproof container in case of damage. John Tufts, IndyStar, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • Australia is accelerating efforts to protect frontline troops from the growing threat of small drones, awarding a contract to defense technology firm OpenWorks under the Australian Defence Force’s Land 156 counter-drone program.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 June 2026
  • More recent land news Republicans have introduced an amendment to a federal wildfire bill that would repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule protecting certain national forest lands from logging and roadbuilding, reports Brooke Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune.
    Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Compliance officers These workers ensure that companies and organizations follow laws, regulations and policies, looking for potential problems to fix.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • Furthermore, buildings must now identify backup service providers to ensure repairs can be made even if primary companies are unavailable or out of business.
    Joan Murray, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Using the midsection and not just the corners to fasten one across the body.
    Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 11 June 2026
  • Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
    Darleene Powells, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • The event features food trucks, blow up games, T-shirts and a chance to win tickets to a game.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
  • Pan is banking on the tactic to win the Democrat-leaning 6th Congressional District, which under newly redrawn lines includes West Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin and communities north and east of Sacramento.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • With confident goalkeeper Raúl Rangel in net, Mexico looks to shake off opening-match nerves and beat South Korea in Guadalajara.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • So playing characters who were so ferocious and bold and confident and determined and all that helped me profoundly in my personal life.
    Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Despite a ballot mix-up by the State's vendor, the State Board of Elections (SBE) has maintained that all ballots and voting is safe.
    Bryant Reed, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • But the systems are only as reliable as their sources, and are prone to misinformation and manipulation.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • Amodei predicts that, over the next five to ten years, AI will achieve, among other things, the reliable prevention and treatment of nearly all natural infectious disease, the elimination of most cancer, the prevention of Alzheimer’s and a doubling of the human lifespan.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Mercury star and Bonner's girlfriend Alyssa Thomas rushed in to defend Bonner.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
  • Trump had campaigned on border and immigration control but also had defended the need for foreign workers.
    Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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