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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
  • 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
  • From quick rinses to gentle drying, here's how to protect your swimwear for seasons to come.
    Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • And ensuring the fit is right will also remain paramount.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 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
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
  • But whether the team would be confident elevating an interim replacement the way the Nats did with assistant GM Mike DeBartolo is not known.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • While vinegar is safe for most types of glass, there are a few glass surfaces not suited for this natural cleaner.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • But Amazon representatives insist drone deliveries are not only fast and reliable but safe, too.
    Russ Wiles, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Tesla heads to federal court in Miami on Monday to defend its Autopilot system in a wrongful death case involving the death of a 22-year-old college student.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 14 July 2025
  • Meanwhile, four other women’s champions successfully defended their titles.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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