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Definition of securenext
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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

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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secure

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adjective

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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

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
The Roseville Police Department said officers responded to secure the area around the bus yard while fire crews handled the blaze. Richard Ramos, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026 Rodriguez has quickly secured the passage of a Hydrocarbons Law designed to attract foreign investment and restore oil production. Boris Muñoz, Time, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
This is an invitation to start again on the home front, whether that’s redecorating or simply creating a space that feels solid and secure. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026 When a service member uses Claude, the computing infrastructure that powers the model and its analysis usually goes to a secure Amazon Web Services cloud that hosts secret government data and software tools. Dennis Murphy, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for secure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secure
Verb
  • To protect yourself, property owners can sign up for notifications about any new documents filed for their property in the city's Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS).
    Tim McNicholas, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Go to the Strait and just take it, protect it.
    James Powel, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As California pushes toward a cleaner energy future, the key challenge ahead is not just reducing emissions, but ensuring fuel remains reliable and affordable in the meantime.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Trump has said his administration's goal is to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Curry was next placed in a prone position on his stomach and had his hands pinned behind his back by both Wilson and Shane, who fastened handcuffs, according to the court document.
    Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • There had been no time to fasten safety belts.
    Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Keller stymies defending champ Coppell Claire Garritson scored the game-winning goal in the second half and Keller hung on to beat defending state champion Coppell 2-1 in the Class 6A Division 1 Region 1 Final on Tuesday night at Keller High School.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Brooklyn won the quarter 27-23, but Charlotte still took a 13-point lead into halftime with Miller and Miles Bridges in double figures.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Gemini May 21 – June 20 The universe favors clear, confident messages.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 Apr. 2026
  • May 21 – June 20 The universe favors clear, confident messages.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Requests to transfer money, purchase gift cards, or move funds to keep your accounts safe are not part of any SSA process.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
  • In suburban neighborhoods, for example, wildlife crossings and native plants provide safer movement options.
    Eve Bohnett, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Affordable yet reliable, the JBL Vibe Beam wireless earbuds are terrific for listening to your favorite tunes while commuting, hiking, exercising or at the beach.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
  • However, there is a reliable method for keeping crows out of your yard and letting the others live in peace.
    Joan Morris, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • At present, as America's military aggression and assault continue with full force, all our efforts and resources are devoted to defending Iran's very existence.
    Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • During the 2002 World Cup, fans across Africa celebrated Senegal’s upset victory over defending champion France, its former colonizer, as a symbol of liberation.
    Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Secure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secure. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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