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
  • Bear in mind, a tent does not protect you from lightning.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 May 2025
  • The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
    Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • The design also balances user experience with publisher ecosystem health by ensuring clear attribution and driving traffic back to original sources.
    William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2025
  • By sending toddlers off on baby trains, the Foundling worked to preserve the minority Catholic faith against encroachment by Protestant charities like the CAS, ensuring that Catholic culture would be perpetuated and reproduced across the United States.
    Time, Time, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • The new script must inform passengers to remain seated with seat belts fastened until the plane reaches its final stop and explicitly state that violations will be reported.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • The glossy leather design featured a central strap running from toe to ankle, fastened at the sides with a buckle.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Harvard has fought back in the courts, winning a temporary restraining order on May 23 that will allow international enrollments to continue as the case makes its way through the courts.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • Long before Ross Chastain became the first driver in 54 years to win a Cup Series race from the tail of the field at the Coca-Cola 600, Shane Van Gisbergen captured the inaugural Chicago Street Race in his debut, and Daniel Suárez got the best of the infamous three-wide photo finish at Atlanta.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • But negative feelings are running high across all sectors; the most confident sector in April was construction, and that was down nearly 4 points from January.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Battled-hardened and confident from winning the Premier League, and on the verge of a ludicrously successful transfer window.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 May 2025
  • In healthy cultures, people feel safe to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore new ideas.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • A day after the singer, 38, shocked fans by walking the 2025 American Music Awards red carpet with a blonde bob — a far departure from her trademark long locks — Pratt, 41, defended his wife against hate comments.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 28 May 2025
  • Kehoe, in response to a question from The Star on Tuesday, defended his decision to push the plan at the 11th-hour.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 5 Jun. 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!