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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
Her father held the only copy, and denied her access, and her mother couldn't navigate the bureaucracy to secure a replacement. Nicole F. Roberts, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 Neither Nuuk nor Iqaluit possesses the economic or military heft to secure the top of the world alone. Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026
Adjective
Voters can cast ballots early, vote in person, drop them in secure boxes, or mail them back through Election Day. Matt Klink, Oc Register, 10 June 2026 No emailing, no secure digital upload. Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • The weather service also urged people to avoid windows, and if outdoors, in a mobile home or in a vehicle to seek the closest substantial shelter and to protect themselves from flying debris.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
  • On Wednesday, Raman said her administration would focus on lowering housing costs, protecting renters, reducing homelessness, improving city services, strengthening emergency response systems, supporting small businesses and fighting to retain jobs in the entertainment industry.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Plus, there are even adjusters on the back to ensure a perfect fit.
    Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 11 June 2026
  • His transition to an inpatient hospice unit halfway through his stay allowed the family to use social workers and ensure his comfort.
    Wes Kilgore, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • By the following morning, crews had worked quickly to fasten 18 letters to the institution’s marble facade.
    Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
  • Seashell earrings feel like a natural evolution for the kind of girls who, like me, grew up with a shell necklace securely fastened around their neck each summer.
    Lidia Maseres, Glamour, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Similar to congressional races, but unlike county-level elections, the top two vote-getters will advance to the November election regardless of whether either candidate wins a majority of the vote.
    Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • Edina has won nine straight games since suffering that defeat.
    Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Rangel, who was 10 years old when Mexico tied South Africa in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup and who fondly remembers El Tri’s victory over France that tournament, is confident between the posts.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
  • Schaeffer, however, is confident that change is on the way.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
  • Topics include financial literacy and legal business structures to recipe development and safe food handling.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • The habits already known to support blood and skin health, sleep, nutrition, sun protection, not smoking and managing inflammation, remain the most reliable tools available right now.
    Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 2026
  • Ferrari’s power unit is much more reliable, but this weekend, its hydraulics weren’t, costing Leclerc a race finish.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • But Cape Verde simply did not wilt in a solid, switched-on 4-5-1 defensive shape, compressing space between the lines and defending heroically in their own penalty area to keep the European Champions at bay, and committing only one foul in the process — the fewest ever recorded in a World Cup game.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • That particularly could be annoying to Uruguay supporters, given Messi’s stature in the sport overall and in particular with defending champion Argentina, La Celeste’s biggest rival.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

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