insecure

adjective

ˌin-si-ˈkyu̇r How to pronounce insecure (audio)
Definition of insecurenext
1
as in loose
not tightly fastened, tied, or stretched insecure twine allowed the bundle of newspapers to break open as soon as it was tossed to the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in worried
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty I always feel insecure in those high-end highfalutin restaurants

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 insecure But Kye is insecure about the scars on his chest and on his head, so the girl agrees to blindfold herself with a silk scarf before meeting him. — S. C. Cornell, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2026 There’s an aspect of insecure masculinity—also present in the Turgenev and Davis Singers—as these men find themselves in the unknowns of a national transition. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2026 Many have described him as deeply insecure, haunted by fears of abandonment that trace back to the earliest chapters of his life. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026 Younger fans, meanwhile, seem insecure about saying the wrong thing. — Anna Tingley, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insecure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insecure
  1. loose
  2. worried
  3. loosened
  4. nervous
  5. unsecured
  6. anxious
  7. slack
  8. upset
Adjective
  • Maybe the shooting shook something loose in her and has amplified her worst tendencies.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Think tombstones, solid skeletons, signs or other decorations that hold their shape and don’t have loose or dangling parts.
    — Katie Koschalk, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of loose
Adjective
  • For my worried patient, that study was not a countdown clock on his chance to become a dad.
    — Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In the Vatican, some pilgrims were worried, hopeful and a little disappointed.
    — Claudio Lavanga, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of worried
Adjective
  • Use a non-abrasive scrubbing sponge or a microfiber cloth to remove all the loosened debris.
    — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The loosened restrictions will not empower Washington to pursue investment and economic cooperation with al Sharaa’s government, which could transform the impoverished country.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of loosened
Adjective
  • Any agency whose main product is activity rather than thinking should be very nervous right now; frankly, some of them should have been nervous years ago.
    — Angelica Kopec, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Consumers in the country, nervous about the shaky economy, are loading up on gold jewelry, bars and coins.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of nervous
Adjective
  • With rising yields on CRWV’s unsecured debt and higher rates broadly, the market is increasingly worried about CRWV’s future cost of capital.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • During acceleration, sudden braking, or sharp turns, unsecured belongings may slide across the floor, roll under seats, or shift around in the trunk.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of unsecured
Adjective
  • There’s also reassuring initial bite at the top of the travel, yet the setup doesn’t feel grabby or overly anxious in everyday driving situations.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Gong’s collection followed the emotional arc of unrequited love, from the first spark and the anxious wait to the social-media sleuthing, a date, and the sudden disappearance that follows.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of anxious
Adjective
  • Having replaced McGinn, Sancho was still settling into the game’s pace, but was markedly slack in possession.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The worst transition is from a frictionless sprint into slack time or shallow administrative work.
    — Yaniv Golan, Forbes.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of slack
Adjective
  • Oglala Lakota runner Billy Mills was the first non-European to win Olympic gold in the 10-kilometer run with his upset, Olympic-record race at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • After a strong performance in an upset win over Buffalo in Week 4, Maye and the Patriots are back on track.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of upset

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Cite this Entry

“Insecure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insecure. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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