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 insureMedicaid insures low-income people, while Medicare provides health insurance for people older than 65.—Jane C. Timm, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2025 The additional money is needed to support the program, which insures almost 15 million Californians, through the current fiscal year.—Stephen Hobbs and, Sacramento Bee, 18 Mar. 2025 In general, EVs are now 23 percent more expensive to insure than comparable gas models, with an average annual full coverage cost of $3,430, Matt Brannon, data journalist at Insurify, told Newsweek.—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025 The good news is that everyone was insured, and nobody got injured.—Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insure
Two pouch compartments are there to ensure your phone doesn’t get tossed around in a larger overnight bag during trips (ditto for sunglasses and even your go-to setting spray).
—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
Thompson also weighed in on Bernie Sanders' criticisms of the oligarchy, urging corporate leaders to step up against the president's chaotic economic policies to ensure stable growth.
Strategically, too, trade’s promise seemed unrealized: Experts and politicians had assured Americans after the Cold War that economic exchange would transform China and Russia into peaceful partners.
—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
7 Apr. 2025
In the comments, many people assured the woman that her parents are indeed proud of her achievement, despite their seemingly blasé reaction to the news.
The game is almost guaranteed to be over when Emmanuel Clase comes in, but the All-Star closer did not have his best stuff.
—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Unlike the drama and comedy series races, which are guaranteed eight nominees regardless of submission count, the limited series category uses a proportional system.
Share