ensure

verb

in-ˈshu̇r How to pronounce ensure (audio)
Definition of ensurenext
as in to assure
to make sure, certain, or safe regulations that ensure the wholesomeness of our food

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ensure distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ensure are assure, insure, and secure. While all these words mean "to make a thing or person sure," 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

Where would assure be a reasonable alternative to ensure?

The meanings of assure and ensure largely overlap; however, assure distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind.

I assure you that no harm will be done

When could insure be used to replace ensure?

Although the words insure and ensure have much in common, insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand.

careful planning should insure the success of the party

When is secure a more appropriate choice than ensure?

The words secure and ensure can be used in similar contexts, but secure implies action taken to guard against attack or loss.

sent reinforcements to secure their position

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 ensure Vogue's Favorite Japanese Sunscreens Japan has strict sunscreen regulations to ensure high standards and qualities for safety and effectiveness. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 14 July 2025 Although Bertha has had major societal wins, none of them, however, ensures her position as solidly as this one. —Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025 Soliman's attorneys have filed a temporary restraining order with the court to ensure he's not transferred out of the Butler County jail. —Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025 And ensuring the fit is right will also remain paramount. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ensure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensure
  1. assure
  2. guarantee
Verb
  • The French club’s Europa League participation next season was assured.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • Police have assured that the scene is a stunt and not a real emergency.
    — Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 11 July 2025
Definition of assure
Verb
  • Trump is exerting significant pressure on holdouts to fall in line, but passage in the lower chamber is not guaranteed.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
  • The contract is not fully guaranteed; however, Wilson — the Nets’ second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft — is a rotation player and considered part of the team’s future as its rebuild continues.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
Definition of guarantee

Browse Nearby Words

ensuing
ensure
ensured
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Cite this Entry

“Ensure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensure. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of ensure for Spanish Speakers

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