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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
Easter said police recently secured a court order for two vehicles – a Toyota Chaser and a Yamaha R1 – to be destroyed after they were connected to dangerous driving activities. Caleb Lunetta, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2025 The post perfectly encapsulates the frustration of a top star who has been unable to secure a victory at one of the biggest shows of the year. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
It’s made from water-resistant fabric and has adjustable straps, zip pockets with mesh slots, a key holder, and a back zip pocket to keep all your things safe and secure. Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025 The secure entryways will be done at the rest of the district schools in phases in the coming years, Shipley said. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • The archipelago, protected as a national park, hums with quiet life—salt flats blush rose in the heat, and mangroves cradle herons in leafy stillness.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Ajax grows closer to Bianca (Joy Sunday), who’s juggling school, protecting her mom from the cult called MorningSong and keeping Principal Dort (Steve Buscemi) at bay.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • First aid at Footprint Center In the event of an emergency, notify any PHX Arena representative or uniformed police officer to ensure that emergency personnel are notified.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Johnson said her goal is to ensure her granddaughter knows who her dad was in life.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Horton and an assistant fasten a saddle and harness ropes across the bull’s broad belly.
    Jon-Michael Banks, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2025
  • In 2021, following a public meeting held about turbulence, the NTSB made recommendations to the FAA to be more stringent about fastening seat belts for both flight attendants and passengers while flying near thunderstorms and under 20,000 feet.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • Hang won bronze on vault at the Pan American Games and looks to capitalize on her strong block and execution.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Having won all six of his races across three Grand Slam Track meets between April and June, Bednarek was crowned Racer of the Year in the inaugural season of the league launched by sprinting great Michael Johnson.
    Coy Wire, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • So here’s what the data is saying: Corporations are confident—just look at buybacks.
    Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Willy Adames is confident the Giants could’ve turned two.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Potential Risks and Side Effects In healthy people, prebiotics and probiotics are usually safe and well tolerated.
    Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2025
  • This advisory is in effect until Friday at 8 p.m. Ways to stay safe in the heat according to the NWS Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Also moving across is Alpecin Deceuninck’s Edward Planckaert, known for his one-day and stage racing and being a reliable cog in sprint leadouts.
    Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Blackouts have nevertheless become a common occurrence in the country's scorching summers, and shorter power cuts take place almost daily, with many Iraqis depending on private generators for reliable power — while those without that access are left to suffer.
    Natasha Turak, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The case could determine the future of Brazil’s domestic politics and foreign relations: Critics of Bolsonaro — who is accused of having plotted to kill his successor — say his conviction is necessary to defend democracy in Latin America’s biggest nation.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Atkins defended developers of self-custody wallets and DeFi applications, stating that they shouldn't be held liable for how users utilize their software, comparing it to holding car manufacturers responsible for traffic accidents.
    Lawrence Wintermeyer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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