assurance

noun

as·​sur·​ance ə-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s How to pronounce assurance (audio)
1
: the state of being assured: such as
a
: a being certain in the mind
the puritan's assurance of salvation
b
: confidence of mind or manner : easy freedom from self-doubt or uncertainty
spoke with assurance about his future plans
also : excessive self-confidence : brashness, presumption
c
2
: something that inspires or tends to inspire confidence
gave repeated assurances of goodwill
3
: the act or action of assuring someone or something: such as
a
: pledge, guarantee
You have my solemn assurance that it is true.
b
: the act of conveying real property (see real entry 1 sense 2)
also : the instrument (see instrument entry 1 sense 5) by which it is conveyed
c
chiefly British : insurance
Choose the Right Synonym for assurance

confidence, assurance, self-possession, aplomb mean a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment.

confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance.

the confidence that comes from long experience

assurance carries a stronger implication of certainty and may suggest arrogance or lack of objectivity in assessing one's own powers.

handled the cross-examination with complete assurance

self-possession implies an ease or coolness under stress that reflects perfect self-control and command of one's powers.

answered the insolent question with complete self-possession

aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations.

handled the reporters with great aplomb

Example Sentences

They lent us the money with the assurance that they would be repaid soon. He has the assurance of continued support from his boss. He spoke with quiet assurance about his future plans. She gave him every assurance that she would be there when he returned.
Recent Examples on the Web That assurance may not be trustworthy, but incurring the costs of packing Russia’s ICBMs with additional warheads without publicizing the fact would remove any deterrence benefits. Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 27 Feb. 2023 As your prospective new employee is weighing job offers, an assurance of financial stability is very helpful. Bygleb Tsipursky, Fortune, 2 Dec. 2022 After all, so many companies are rescinding job offers these days: as your prospective new employee is weighing job offers, an assurance of financial stability is very helpful. Gleb Tsipursky, Forbes, 10 Nov. 2022 Was my writing just a desperate ploy to manufacture the assurance of love? Kim O'hara, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2023 Even if a person does respond well to a drug, there’s no assurance that this response will continue indefinitely. Markham Heid, Time, 10 Jan. 2023 Advocates and some Democrats in Congress are pressuring Biden to extend the payment pause until all legal challenges are resolved, despite his previous assurance that the freeze would end after Dec. 31. Collin Binkley, Chicago Tribune, 17 Nov. 2022 Inconsistent branding can upend all of these efforts by confusing prospects who are seeking assurance that your brand’s claims are true and that your company actually stands behind what the brand promises. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023 More important, however, is the assurance Baker receives by placing McCormick in center field at Minute Maid Park. Michael Shapiro, Chron, 7 Feb. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'assurance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

see assure

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Time Traveler
The first known use of assurance was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near assurance

Cite this Entry

“Assurance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assurance. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

assurance

noun
as·​sur·​ance ə-ˈshu̇r-ən(t)s How to pronounce assurance (audio)
1
: the act of assuring
2
: the state of being sure or certain
3
chiefly British : insurance sense 1
4

Legal Definition

assurance

noun
as·​sur·​ance
1
a
: the act of assuring
2
: the act of conveying real property
also : the document by which it is conveyed
3
chiefly British : insurance

More from Merriam-Webster on assurance

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