secure 1 of 2

1
2
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

3
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

4

secure

2 of 2

adjective

1
2
3
4

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
Because the victim was in critical condition, an airlift was requested to transport her to the hospital while a detective with the Homestead Police Department secured her children and then spoke with them about the incident. Chris Spargo, People.com, 23 May 2025 Anthony Edwards and the Wolves are just one win away from securing some rest ahead of the Western Conference Finals after taking down the Lakers in five, though their success against the Warriors sans Stephen Curry does come with a caveat. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Adjective
And as a result, 150,000 vets have jobs, their families are more secure. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 22 May 2025 Optical fiber is a highly secure communication medium. James Watt, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • The emergency fund is meant to protect you against a job loss, health crisis, car breakdown or major household repair.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • This question asks for personal sensitive information that is protected by privacy laws.
    Ernesto Londoño, New York Times, 18 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
  • However, a few symptoms were reported in one trial to ensure curcumin's safety and health benefits.
    Rebeca Schiller, Verywell Health, 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
  • In each case, the playbook is the same: win big at home.
    Alex Lazarow, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The big story Just a week after a breakthrough in U.S.-China trade tensions, neither side can yet be confident that the other is holding up their end of the bargain.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 21 May 2025
  • The club, for their part, are confident they will be granted entry.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • In healthy cultures, people feel safe to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore new ideas.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • To be fair to les frères Dardennes, there is a reliable level of unshowy competence as well as an integrity to their insistence on embedding with unglamorous, recognizable people.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
  • The problem with inland water Environmental scientists have a reliable way of monitoring the water quality at popular coastal beaches, often by taking samples on a daily or weekly basis.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 23 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on secure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!