insure

verb

in-ˈshu̇r How to pronounce insure (audio)
Definition of insurenext
as in to ensure
to make sure, certain, or safe took steps to insure the timely completion of the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word insure distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of insure are assure, ensure, and secure. While all these words mean "to make a thing or person sure," insure sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand.

careful planning should insure the success of the party

When can assure be used instead of insure?

In some situations, the words assure and insure are roughly equivalent. However, assure distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind.

I assure you that no harm will be done

How is ensure related to other words for insure?

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 secure a more appropriate choice than insure?

The words secure and insure 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 insure The audience and the other participants go to great lengths each season to insure the safety of the few indefatigable girls who impress us with their authenticity and make full use of their latitude to become tragic heroines. — Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 27 June 2026 Returns here will be substantial (and predictable), your principal will be protected and the account will be insured up to $250,000, giving you ample protection for your money. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Today, 67% of people insured through an employer – roughly 100 million Americans – are in these plans, making the law’s defects especially salient. — Miranda Yaver, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 Most deposit accounts are only FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership category, so anything above that in a single savings account isn’t covered. — Dan Avery,elizabeth Gravier, CNBC, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for insure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insure
  1. ensure
  2. assure
  3. guarantee
Verb
  • Products with a broad range, such as beer, would benefit from multiple subcategories, ensuring that the production process is not prioritized over the alcoholic content.
    — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 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
Definition of ensure
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

insurances
insure
insured
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on insure

Nglish: Translation of insure for Spanish Speakers

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