insecure

adjective

ˌin-si-ˈkyu̇r How to pronounce insecure (audio)
Definition of insecurenext
1
as in loose
not tightly fastened, tied, or stretched insecure twine allowed the bundle of newspapers to break open as soon as it was tossed to the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in worried
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty I always feel insecure in those high-end highfalutin restaurants

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 insecure Continue reading … FRIENDLY FIRE — Cruz-Vance rivalry heats up as Texas senator suggests VP is 'feeling insecure'. — FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Oversharing by a leader can sometimes make the leader seem insecure to others. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026 But Kye is insecure about the scars on his chest and on his head, so the girl agrees to blindfold herself with a silk scarf before meeting him. — S. C. Cornell, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2026 There’s an aspect of insecure masculinity—also present in the Turgenev and Davis Singers—as these men find themselves in the unknowns of a national transition. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insecure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insecure
  1. loose
  2. worried
  3. loosened
  4. nervous
  5. unsecured
  6. anxious
  7. slack
  8. upset
Adjective
  • The result is a vehicle that feels more controlled than its predecessor, with less of the loose, floaty behavior that could make the previous model feel heavy on uneven roads.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Smotherman is feeling looser than most this time of the year.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of loose
Adjective
  • Many were worried that this would lead to productivity losses.
    — Volen Vulkov, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • On Monday morning, a relative of Cantrell who was worried that the baby might be Cantrell’s called police.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of worried
Adjective
  • Use a non-abrasive scrubbing sponge or a microfiber cloth to remove all the loosened debris.
    — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The loosened restrictions will not empower Washington to pursue investment and economic cooperation with al Sharaa’s government, which could transform the impoverished country.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of loosened
Adjective
  • Since the incident, the flamingo has been doing all right physically but is more anxious and nervous when being evaluated, said Peachy’s veterinarian, Tiffany Moore, medical director of Lone Mountain Animal Hospital.
    — Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • As the military-style helicopter hovered above them, attendees from the rural, predominantly Latino community, began to get nervous.
    — Philip Wang, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of nervous
Adjective
  • The equipment typically serves as collateral for the loan, which can make this type of financing easier to qualify for than some unsecured loans.
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But tapping into your home's equity to eliminate unsecured debt is a decision that deserves careful consideration.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of unsecured
Adjective
  • The director general was attempting to lift the gloom after being beset with questions from anxious employees about job losses, service reductions, and general retrenchment.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2026
  • An anxious child Apart from her scribbled notes, scant details are available about Runa’s experience in detention, according to her lawyer Yoshihiro Mukai.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of anxious
Adjective
  • Having replaced McGinn, Sancho was still settling into the game’s pace, but was markedly slack in possession.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The worst transition is from a frictionless sprint into slack time or shallow administrative work.
    — Yaniv Golan, Forbes.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of slack
Adjective
  • The guests seemed less upset by the death than by the news that their infusions would be halted.
    — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Instead, Brazil’s veteran leftist leader pulled off a stunning upset.
    — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of upset

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Insecure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insecure. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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