ensure

verb

in-ˈshu̇r How to pronounce ensure (audio)
Definition of ensurenext
as in to assure
to make sure, certain, or safe regulations that ensure the wholesomeness of our food

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 young girls are referred to as Heaven’s 27 by their surviving families, who are determined to honor their legacy by ensuring such a catastrophe never happens again. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 Per The Guardian, Harry specifically requested police protection outside of royal residences to ensure his family's safety. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026 From residents racing to assemble exhibits on short notice to disputes over displays and sponsorships, the booths highlight the lengths volunteers have gone to ensure their states are represented at the celebration of America's 250th anniversary. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 4 July 2026 To ensure safety during outdoor work, adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s recommendations by incorporating regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ensure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensure
  1. assure
  2. guarantee
Verb
  • Where an outcome that seems assured can be overturned in the final minutes to the collective roar of an international cast of thousands?
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Bennet is seeking to become Colorado's governor, while Hickenlooper is running for reelection, and neither is assured of victory.
    — Terry Collins, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Definition of assure
Verb
  • Baking this mac and cheese on a sheet pan guarantees creamy centers and crispy edges in every bite.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026
  • Having the gene does not guarantee a diagnosis later on, but compared to people with other APOE variants in their genome, the likelihood is significantly higher.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Definition of guarantee

Browse Nearby Words

ensuing
ensure
ensured
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Cite this Entry

“Ensure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensure. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ensure

Nglish: Translation of ensure for Spanish Speakers

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