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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 move was the latest bid by the White House to use threats of higher tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. in hopes of securing new trade agreements with countries around the globe, even historically close trading partners like Canada. Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025 The Prime Day deal on these headphones that secured a spot on Oprah’s Favorite Things list is about to disappear. Isabel Garcia, People.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
The leather bag fits small essentials and has a zippered closure to keep everything secure. Isabel Garcia, People.com, 11 July 2025 For now, Siskind recommends that government officials steer clear of popular encrypted platforms like Signal, which while secure in terms of content, lack mechanisms for identity verification. Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • Today the act protects more than 2,300 plant and animal species in the US and abroad.
    Christine Peterson, Wired News, 5 July 2025
  • The show, based on a novella by the author Martha Wells, follows a snarky private-security cyborg (played by Alexander Skarsgård) assigned to protect a group of scientists investigating a mostly uncharted planet.
    Emma Stefansky, The Atlantic, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • France has issued a restrictive outdoor smoking ban, including at public parks, swimming pools, beaches, or anywhere children may be present, to ensure their protection.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 1 July 2025
  • Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.
    Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Others wore the scarves loosely, using a clip to fasten the tails.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 23 June 2025
  • Between the 2 pounds of silicone rubber fastened to his head and a 30-pound bodysuit, the Irish actor was constantly overheating while playing his ambitious Gotham City gangster.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • Two, the Padres can win a wild-card playoff berth without adding a catcher.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • The Powerball jackpot was last won May 31, when a California player hit the $204.5 million grand prize.
    Don Sweeney July 13, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, of the 98% of HR professionals surveyed by Capterra who plan to use software and algorithms to reduce labor costs, only half are confident that the technology will make unbiased recommendations.
    C200, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • And for those stunning backless dresses that demand a bra-free look, nipple covers are your secret weapon for confident coverage.
    Caitlyn Martyn may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The company carried out launch and landing tests last year, with one of the hops reaching around 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) in altitude before executing a powered descent and safe landing.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 12 July 2025
  • The linen cotton blend isn’t see-through and is safe to machine wash on a gentle cycle and even tumble dry on low afterward.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • The outsoles are made with reliable rubber treads to provide vital traction on slick city streets and beyond, and the sleek leather exteriors will remain in pristine shape even if you get caught in an unexpected rainstorm.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2025
  • Finish your regimen with a good non-sticky lip gloss, like Tarte’s Maracuja or Summer Friday’s holy-grail lip balm, and a reliable concealer exceptional at brightening the under-eye, such as Too Faced’s Born This Way illuminating option.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • The medium-to-long-range layer, David’s Sling, has replaced Patriot batteries supplied by the United States, defending against both aircraft, cruise missiles, and short-range ballistic missiles using a missile called Stunner.
    Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Thanks to the oceans on either side of us, the frozen wasteland to the north, and a gentle behemoth to the south, no one thought much about having to defend our borders.
    Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.

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