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 next

as in to assure

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 The 2022 law, which created the Connecticut Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee, was inspired by model legislation offered up by President Joe Biden’s administration and was meant to ensure that the settlement funds were put to use counteracting the deadly effects of the opioid epidemic. —

Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2025 This ensures a harmonious working relationship for the benefit of our entire educational community. —

Dr. Michael Thomas, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 Its unique philosophy, paired with industry-leading craftsmanship and innovative designs, ensures that each piece serves as a profound declaration of a lifelong promise. —

WWD, 28 Jan. 2025 Lawmakers are trying to ensure the future holds even more. —

Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ensure