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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
In the moments after a third World Series title in six years was secured, Smith found his wife, Cara. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025 In the past nine months, Houlihan has raised over $500 million to secure three purchases for Swain’s stalwart customer Ronin. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2025
Adjective
And still, given that Spurs’ creative issues persist and Monaco peppered Vicario’s goal with 23 shots, seemingly slicing through a defence which had previously looked so secure with ease, Tottenham escaped with another away point. Elias Burke, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025 No one wants to see a blunder lead to a nuclear catastrophe on the long journey towards a more secure world — without nuclear weapons. Ernest J. Moniz, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • In addition to preserving natural ecosystems and the sustainable fisheries that depend on them, reefs may help to protect coastlines from storms and floods, which will become ever more urgent as climate change and rising sea levels give rise to more dangerous storms.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2025
  • By strengthening the muscles and protecting cartilage, these exercises can help reduce pain from overstressed, stiff joints.
    Jakob Roze, Health, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The pair played key roles in ensuring West Ham’s safety, and Nuno will hope potential arrivals have similar impacts.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Victory would ensure Democratic control of the court through the next few elections, just a year after Republicans won every statewide race in Pennsylvania.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There, a group of KPMG staffers followed and sometimes interjected their own thoughts on the building, while workers fastened the last screws on light bulbs and organized plants strewn around the office.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The macaques were secured by three gates, each fastened by two sets of locks and latches.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Here are luckiest numbers, places to play Did anyone win Powerball last night, October 25, 2025?
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 26 Oct. 2025
  • By sticking with judo, Harrison won gold at the 2012 Olympics and again at the 2016 Olympics.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • If Purdy is still unable to take the field in Week 10, the 49ers are confident that Jones can continue his solid play at the quarterback position.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Both Mason and Green are confident the race will be called quickly for Sheffield, who has been a frontrunner in the race.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Contractors working on the project recently completed pouring the foundation for what will provide smaller housing units meant to make quarantining detainees with communicable illnesses safer and easier.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Nov. 2025
  • In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Clean energy is driving a state of 40 million people, offering more affordable energy and creating reliable jobs that will power the future.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Becton is not reliable at this stage.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • India was the last of the four teams to qualify for the semifinals, but then beat defending champion and seven-time winner Australia by five wickets to reach the final.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Expect this team to defend at a high level and showcase the versatility to challenge anyone in the league — with a top-three ACC finish well within reach.
    The Athletic College Basketball Staff, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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