secure 1 of 2

verb

Definition of securenext
1
as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from sent troops to secure the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
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
4
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 How to pronounce secure (audio)
1
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
2
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
3
as in protecting
providing safety escaped to a secure location

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in reliable
worthy of one's trust a fund that should provide them with a secure income in their retirement

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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
By the end of episode six, Rick (Walton Goggins) and Frank (Sam Rockwell) manage to secure an invitation—under false pretenses—to the Bangkok residence of White Lotus co-owner Sritala Hollinger (Lek Patravadi) and her husband Jim (Scott Glenn). —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2025 His extension, on the other hand, represents a critical step forward, securing the Jays’ franchise cornerstone through 2039. —Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
On arrival at a secure location, the family is given handheld UHF radios and watertight bags filled with tools for escape and evasion. —Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 But as trust in the market thins, there are a few options to spread out investments, so that people can stay secure in both the long and short term. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
  1. protect
  2. ensure
  3. fasten
  4. win
  5. confident
  6. safe
  7. reliable
  8. defend
Verb
  • The push to help more than half-a-million Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans is part of a broader legal effort to protect nationals from Ukraine, Afghanistan and other countries who are here legally.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of protect
Verb
  • 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.
    — Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • This strategic move into media ventures underscores Ronaldo’s ambition to solidify his influence in the entertainment industry, ensuring his brand’s longevity well beyond his soccer career.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of ensure
Verb
  • The chefs, their aprons fastened with only a single shoulder strap giving the brigade a pirate spirit, brought out each of the dishes and explained how they were prepared with charm and passion.
    — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Undeterred, the Brits fuel up, fasten snow chains to their vehicle's tires, and continue forward.
    — Matt Cabral, EW.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of fasten
Verb
  • Osceola and Stockton met twice earlier this season at Osceola Heritage Park, and the Magic won both games by an average of 19 points.
    — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Here's My Ultimate Bakery Crawl Through Reykjavik Kovács shared what an honor this achievement was, especially considering his pastry shop had opened only five months prior to winning the competition.
    — Sable Massingill Martinez, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of win
Adjective
  • Good teams feel confident regardless of the day’s starting pitcher.
    — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Many others have noted how comfortable these same people who are cracking down on antisemitism are with Nazis—real, frighteningly confident antisemites.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of confident
Adjective
  • So Far Cannes' Thierry Fremaux Wants 'Mission: Impossible 8,' Teases 2025 Fest Lineup and Moves on From the 'Emilia Perez' Controversy (EXCLUSIVE) That safe haven could also be an alternative to the normal escape route people take out of Gilead.
    — Abigail Lee, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The margins for error are always going to be thin on a cold, wet night like Monday, but Juan Soto is a safe bet any night.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of safe
Adjective
  • At home, our Xfinity WiFi gateways and extenders create a fast, reliable, and secure connection in every corner of your home.
    — Comcast, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Record sales have become a less reliable source of income for artists.
    — Sara Chernikoff, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of reliable
Verb
  • Additionally, on Thursday, March 27, Burgess defended her and Green’s co-parenting relationship with Fox.
    — Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The judge defended his decision, citing the fact that Sullivan has no permanent residence, has been admitted to a hospital since her arrest for mental health reasons, has no prior criminal record and has not failed to appear in court as reasons why house arrest is not necessary.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of defend

Browse Nearby Words

seculars
secure
secured
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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of secure for Spanish Speakers

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