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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 So Nude Sandal, one of Aquazzura’s most streamlined silhouettes, retails for $850 and features a single narrow front strap, an open toe and a slim 105-millimeter stiletto secured by a barely-there slingback. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2025 Like in Washington, DC, the National Guard troops in Memphis are not dedicated just to securing federal property but are also supporting local law enforcement in their operations. Andy Rose 19 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Both components are in a secure facility undergoing further examination. Clara McMichael, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2025 Next, make a deposit with a secure payment method, like a credit card. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • This warranty gives homeowners confidence that their investment is protected and that the company is committed to long-term results.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Prices start at $57 At minimum, an area rug’s job is to protect your floors from scratches, spills, and scuffs, but this particular style holds so much more importance in terms of adding decor, texture, and color to a space — just ask Joanna Gaines.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The Arkansas Insurance Department's primary mission is to protect consumers and ensure the financial stability of insurers, according to the release.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2025
  • When that happens, the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 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
  • Cardell Williams completed 8 of 11 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns to speedster Ernest Campbell as the Hornets won for the sixth time in their last eight outings with two conference games to go.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Mike Vrabel has breathed life into the New England Patriots, guiding them to a 7-2 start while riding a six-game winning streak despite fielding a roster that still has its fair share of deficiencies.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 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
  • Having no cool aunt of my own and no elder sisters, just teenage babysitters and camp counselors (each with their own unique but tenuous grasp on anatomy and reproductive science), the book felt warm, inviting, and—perhaps most important to my terrified, bleeding, self—safe.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The two men exchange grateful texts later that evening, home safe and stumped about where to go next.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 10 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
  • After successfully defending the WWE Women's World Championship against Raquel Rodriguez, Stephanie Vaquer was nailed with a belt shot from Nikki Bella.
    Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Individually and as a group, the Hornets have been challenged to be fundamentally sound, to move without the ball, to share the ball and to defend.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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