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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
Nancy couldn’t secure a badge inside this year but finds plenty of activations outside the convention to enjoy. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2025 But Henriquez bore down and retired the next three Padres to secure the victory. Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025
Adjective
That’s why recognizing what abandonment issues actually look like is an important first step in feeling more secure. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 21 July 2025 Representatives for the property’s management agreed in the decree to remediate the property, including demolishing vacant mobile homes, relocating squatters, keeping the property buildings secure and maintaining waste disposal and lawn maintenance. Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • The East Asian power provided air defense systems to the Balkan nation to help protect its airspace, raising concerns in the United States about Serbia's path toward European integration.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • Insurance can help protect you from unexpected legal or financial difficulties.
    Anne-Lyse Ngatta, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Ongoing research and public dialogue will be essential to ensure that the benefits of genomic medicine are realized for all.
    William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • These roles ensure her presence remains embedded in the strategic direction of the brand, even as day-to-day editorial oversight transitions to a new generation.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • An hour before kick-off for Portugal’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 group stage match against Spain and eyes begin to gravitate towards Wankdorf Stadium’s west stand and a large piece of cardboard fastened to the bottom of the upper stand.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 July 2025
  • Feet are attached to each of the four posts, providing additional stability, and the kit also comes with anchoring hardware, which securely fastens the gazebo to cement.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Democrats have only once won three gubernatorial elections in a row in Wisconsin.
    Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
  • Who won Head of Household on 'Big Brother'? Who is on the block on 'Big Brother'?
    David Wysong, The Enquirer, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Experts are over 14 times more likely than light users to apply AI across all three phases and are twice as confident in the quality of their output.
    Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • While there are some things for the Lions to overcome this season, Newton is confident in their ability to do so.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • The performance itself begins at 7:20 p.m., followed by an after-party at 9 p.m. Event organizers encourage rideshare for a safe and carefree experience, though free parking is available across the street from the venue at 6101 Highland Campus Dr. Building 3000.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • As ever, the good news is that staying safe is all down to 100% adherence to golden rules.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • By the time Osbourne returned to Milwaukee for a March 5, 1984, concert at the Arena, his concerts had a reliable opening act: protesters outside the venue, criticizing Osbourne and rockers like him for performing the devil's music.
    Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 23 July 2025
  • One of his key issues remains securing clean, reliable water supplies for rural and tribal communities in need.
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Mark was disappointed, but the poster defended himself, saying he’s helped before and didn’t want to be taken for granted.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 27 July 2025
  • In reality, a number of simple changes can defend against most attacks.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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