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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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 Similarly, those who excel at championing inclusion ensure all team members feel valued and heard when stress levels rise and resources become constrained. Kara Dennison, Sphr, Cprw, Ec, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 With artist Kid Rock in the Oval Office, Trump signed an order telling the Federal Trade Commission to work with the DOJ to ensure that resellers follow competition laws. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Apr. 2025 These underground schools, which were constructed with the help of USAID, are vital for ensuring children's safety while maintaining their education. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025 To override Stein’s veto, the GOP would need either one Democrat in the state House flipping over to approve, undermining their fellow party members’ power, or ensure not all Democrats are in attendance when the veto-override vote occurs. Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ensure

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Cite this Entry

“Ensure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensure. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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