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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 move was the latest bid by the White House to use threats of higher tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. in hopes of securing new trade agreements with countries around the globe, even historically close trading partners like Canada. Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025 The Prime Day deal on these headphones that secured a spot on Oprah’s Favorite Things list is about to disappear. Isabel Garcia, People.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
The leather bag fits small essentials and has a zippered closure to keep everything secure. Isabel Garcia, People.com, 11 July 2025 For now, Siskind recommends that government officials steer clear of popular encrypted platforms like Signal, which while secure in terms of content, lack mechanisms for identity verification. Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • Applying a daily sunscreen can help protect your skin from UV rays.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 July 2025
  • The formula blends potent ingredients—edelweiss native cells, niacinamide, and ginger root extract—to strengthen hair fibers, protecting against mechanical damage caused by frequent brushing or styling.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • To keep a handle on public opinion during a high-profile celebrity trial, lawyers have turned to working alongside PR representatives to ensure an intact career.
    Lauryn Overhultz , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
  • And ensuring the fit is right will also remain paramount.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • An hour before kick-off for Portugal’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 group stage match against Spain and eyes begin to gravitate towards Wankdorf Stadium’s west stand and a large piece of cardboard fastened to the bottom of the upper stand.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 July 2025
  • Feet are attached to each of the four posts, providing additional stability, and the kit also comes with anchoring hardware, which securely fastens the gazebo to cement.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Two, the Padres can win a wild-card playoff berth without adding a catcher.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • And the South Asian women who long invested most of their assets into gold are winning in this rally.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • But whether the team would be confident elevating an interim replacement the way the Nats did with assistant GM Mike DeBartolo is not known.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • And for those stunning backless dresses that demand a bra-free look, nipple covers are your secret weapon for confident coverage.
    Caitlyn Martyn may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Best Buy Here's proof that reliable tracking doesn't have to be expensive.
    Adrienne So, Wired News, 10 July 2025
  • The stable coherence properties of neutral atoms facilitate the reliable extraction and preservation of atomic imprints.
    Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, four other women’s champions successfully defended their titles.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
  • Shevchenko successfully defended her title via fourth-round TKO.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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