SECURE Synonyms: 373 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

secure 1 of 2

verb

Definition of secure next

as in to protect

to drive danger or attack away from sent troops to secure the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

as in to win

to receive as return for effort finally secured a job after sending out dozens of applications

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

secure

2 of 2

adjective

si-ˈkyu̇r

as in confident

having or showing great faith in oneself or one's abilities he's so secure about winning the marathon that he's practically spent the prize money

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in safe

not exposed to the threat of loss or injury the fortress was thought to be secure against attack

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in protecting

providing safety escaped to a secure location

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in reliable

worthy of one's trust a fund that should provide them with a secure income in their retirement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

As the Chinese like to emphasize in private, their only vital interest in the Middle East is the free and secure flow of energy and other vital goods like fertilizers, a trade to be secured by regional peace. —

Anatol Lieven, Twin Cities, 10 Apr. 2026 Fidesz, founded as an anti-communist youth movement, still positions itself as the guardian of Hungary’s independence, secured in the peaceful revolutions that swept Central and Eastern Europe in 1989. —

Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026

Adjective

The elastic waistband feels secure and doesn’t roll or dig. —

Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026 Cloudflare is poised to bring in business through pay-as-you-go computing services, including network-as-a-service (NaaS), secure, access service edge (SASE) and infrastructure as a service (IaaS), according to the analyst. —

Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for secure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure

Verb

Custom metallic-textile curtains are used to help filter light and protect sensitive works, while allowing subtle changes throughout the day and seasons to shape the viewing experience.

— City News Service, Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026
Please protect this land, protect beauty and protect the feeling of a great hike.

— Beret Leone, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026

Definition of protect

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seculars

secure

secured

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“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of secure

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