ENSURE Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ensure

verb

in-ˈshu̇r

Definition of ensure

as in to assure

to make sure, certain, or safe regulations that ensure the wholesomeness of our food

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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 Lomon quickly ensured his players were safe in their rooms and called 911. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Peeling, trimming, and discarding green portions are the most effective measures to ensure a potato is safe to eat. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026 For women in particular, facing the controls while washing helps ensure front-to-back cleaning. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 However, Jaworski, who has donated plasma four times, says payment helps to ensure a sustainable supply of the raw material for lifesaving medicines. — Cnn Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ensure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensure

Verb

The show’s star, Chris Hansen, has already begun complaining about the picture, so some controversy seems assured.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
Although the couple was worried about damaging the tiles underfoot with such footwear as high heels, the Penha Longa Resort events team assured them that all surfaces were meant to be walked on.

— Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of assure

Verb

However, this is standard practice, and a hard credit inquiry is necessary for verification purposes and to guarantee your mortgage interest rate.

— Dan Simms, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
If a vested veteran - a player with four or more years of NFL experience - is on the active, or inactive roster for the first game of the season their entire contract becomes guaranteed.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of guarantee

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ensuing

ensure

ensured

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“Ensure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensure. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ensure

verb

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Synonyms of ensure

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to ensure

'Insure' vs. 'Ensure' vs. 'Assure'

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