insure

verb

in-ˈshu̇r How to pronounce insure (audio)
Definition of insurenext
as in to ensure
to make sure, certain, or safe took steps to insure the timely completion of the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word insure distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of insure are assure, ensure, and secure. While all these words mean "to make a thing or person sure," insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand.

careful planning should insure the success of the party

When can assure be used instead of insure?

In some situations, the words assure and insure are roughly equivalent. However, assure distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind.

I assure you that no harm will be done

How is ensure related to other words for insure?

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 secure a more appropriate choice than insure?

The words secure and insure 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 insure The organization's membership has grown by 77% to more than 3,300 people since HAAM began offering premium assistance, and more than 90% of members are now insured. — Olivia Aldridge, NPR, 23 Aug. 2026 Whether to look the other way for people like me, or to flag us to insure that there were enough spots for those who genuinely needed them. — Ledio Cakaj, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026 The association absorbed the cost of insuring and securing the building, as well as any repairs or renovations necessary afterward, said Emily Baime Michaels, the association’s executive director. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Medicare insures people 65 or older and some who are younger and disabled. — Grace MacKleby, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insure
  1. ensure
  2. assure
  3. guarantee
Verb
  • Place a clear plastic bag over the pot, ensuring that the plastic isn’t touching the plant (use chopsticks to help elevate the bag if necessary).
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
  • This thoughtful evolution ensures this year’s NBC ceremony and future broadcasts remain deeply engaging and tailored to the television audience.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of 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

Browse Nearby Words

insurances
insure
insured
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Cite this Entry

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

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