SECURE Synonyms: 373 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

secure 1 of 2

verb

Definition of secure next

as in to protect

to drive danger or attack away from sent troops to secure the city

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to ensure

to make sure, certain, or safe a retirement account that will help to secure our future

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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

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as in to win

to receive as return for effort finally secured a job after sending out dozens of applications

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secure

2 of 2

adjective

si-ˈkyu̇r

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in safe

not exposed to the threat of loss or injury the fortress was thought to be secure against attack

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as in protecting

providing safety escaped to a secure location

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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

Examples 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

In winter, the Ho-Chunk would secure the vessels in shallow water, to prevent them from drying out before spring. —

Jacqueline Kehoe, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2024 The strategy was intended to help secure the region from a Taliban takeover — but instead, the groups became seen by locals as a source of torment by the local population. —

Emily Brooks, The Hill, 25 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is doubling down on physical technologies such as advanced batteries, betting that the ability to create abundant and secure energy is right around the corner. —

Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2024 Escrow serves to protect all parties involved in the deal by holding the money in a secure location until the ink is dry on the contracts and both parties are in agreement on the sale. —

Michael Gargiulo, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for secure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure

Verb

Employees in national defense, law enforcement, and other departments that protect life and property are expected to continue working, the government agency said.

Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
This requires strategic development, an understanding of current trends, using social media to its full potential and protecting one's personal and business reputation online.

Jeffrey Bartel, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024