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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 Trump administration is also considering a deal with the United Arab Emirates that would allow the Gulf nation to eventually secure more than a million AI chips from Nvidia, CNBC’s Kristina Partsinevelos confirmed Tuesday, citing a familiar with the matter. Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 13 May 2025 The city’s priorities include getting out of the business of owning a stadium, securing the Angels in Anaheim for decades to come, generating tax revenue from a ballpark village atop the parking lot, and adding sorely needed housing within any development. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
Adjective
The Glazers were into a new, more secure phase of ownership. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 11 May 2025 What is the best way to stay private, secure and anonymous while browsing the web? Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • House of Aama House of Aama, established in 2015, presents fashion as an instrument for storytelling while protecting cultural heritage and preserving memories.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
  • Prima wondered, with pure bafflement, if there would come a time when people did not worry about her innocence and wish to protect her.
    Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • Its Multi-Sensor System, combining infrared detection, ultrasonic sensors, and an AI camera, ensures accurate navigation, while the real-time app control allows users to direct the cleaning process to specific areas.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Controlling a fire means ensuring that the fire can't spread or cross the containment line.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Beech and oak logs felled in the Morvan Forest were fastened together and floated along the Yonne, then up the Seine to fuel the fires of the growing population of Paris.
    Rachel Howard, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
  • Similar to how ropes push materials into the back of the human printer, wires fastened to a cap on Mickey’s head transmit memory data.
    Abigail Lee, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • His administration won significant backing from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
    Tom Perry, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Rory McIlroy is the favorite after winning The Masters.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • And while forever seems like a big word, Duritz feels confident that the band will be with us for quite a while longer.
    Gary Graff, Billboard, 9 May 2025
  • But Smith was confident that a solution could be found.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, reformer David Hogg, who previously pushed for primary challenges in safe blue districts, may be sidelined—highlighting the tension between progressive and centrist factions.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
  • Despite these obstacles, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby tells CNN flying is still safe at Newark — and nationwide — because airlines are scaling back the amount of flights departing day by day.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • At a time when trust in institutions is declining, access to reliable information feels harder to come by, and the need for noncommercial, high-quality early-childhood content is greater than ever, public media stands apart as a vital and unifying source.
    Mark G. Contreras, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2025
  • The buttery-soft jeans are my most comfortable denim, and finding a reliable white pair in the past has often been a struggle.
    Ali Faccenda, People.com, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Scheffler, the world No. 1, and defending PGA champion Schauffele had plenty to say about mud balls on tee shots, particularly on the 16th hole that sent both to double bogey.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles will be featured prominently during the 2025 NFL season.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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