SECURE Synonyms: 373 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

secure 1 of 2

verb

Definition of secure next

as in to protect

to drive danger or attack away from sent troops to secure the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

as in to win

to receive as return for effort finally secured a job after sending out dozens of applications

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

secure

2 of 2

adjective

si-ˈkyu̇r

as in confident

having or showing great faith in oneself or one's abilities he's so secure about winning the marathon that he's practically spent the prize money

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in safe

not exposed to the threat of loss or injury the fortress was thought to be secure against attack

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in protecting

providing safety escaped to a secure location

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in reliable

worthy of one's trust a fund that should provide them with a secure income in their retirement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

The Americans secured a regulation win over Canada in their last game, an intense rivalry battle that solidified their spot in the championship game. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025 Their big fear is President Vladimir Putin of Russia gaining the upper hand in Ukraine talks — especially if Mr. Trump looks to secure a windfall of mineral resources — putting Europe at risk. —

Bernhard Warner, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025

Adjective

From a Samsonite hardside luggage set to a fanny pack to keep your travel essentials secure, shop some of Amazon’s best-selling and highly rated luggage and bags from $7. —

Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2025 For example, last week, Department of Education officials raised alarms about DOGE employees using personal emails viewed as less secure than government email addresses, seemingly in violation of security protocols. —

Ars Technica, 14 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for secure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure

Verb

In addition, the recent announcement that to protect the homeland the United States will be purchasing Greenland...Illinois will now be annexing Green Bay to protect itself against enemies, foreign and domestic.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
In the meantime, guests can see the manatees at The Seas with Nemo and Friends and learn all about the species and how to help protect them.

— Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025