secure
8 synonyms and 1 antonyms for secure, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Protected from danger, harm, or loss.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use secure
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin securus, "free from care," from se- ("without") + cura ("care") — literally "careless" in the old sense of untroubled. The same root gives us "cure" and "sure."
Full origin of secure →Frequently asked questions
What does “secure” mean?
The word “secure” means protected from danger, harm, or loss. In plain terms, safe, protected, or firmly fixed — or, as a verb, to make something safe or to obtain it.
How do you pronounce “secure”?
“Secure” is pronounced sih-KYOOR (/səˈkjʊɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “secure” in a sentence?
Here is “secure” used in a sentence: “The vault is one of the most secure places in the building.”
What is the opposite of “secure”?
The opposite of “secure” — its antonyms — is insecure.
What part of speech is “secure”?
Depending on how it is used, “secure” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “secure” come from?
The word “secure” comes from Latin. From Latin securus, "free from care," from se- ("without") + cura ("care") — literally "careless" in the old sense of untroubled. The same root gives us "cure" and "sure.".
Is “secure” a common word?
“Secure” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “secure” have?
“Secure” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: protected from danger, harm, or loss.
What is the difference between secure and safe?
The two overlap, but secure stresses active protection — locks, defences or safeguards that keep danger out. Safe stresses the resulting state of being free from harm. A door can be secure because it is bolted, which then makes the house safe. In short, security is often the means, and safety the outcome.
What is the opposite of secure?
The main opposites are insecure, vulnerable and exposed. Something that is not protected from danger, harm or loss can be described as unsafe, unguarded or at risk. Where secure suggests firm protection, its antonyms suggest weakness or openness to threat — a vulnerable border, an exposed position, or an insecure lock.
Can anything be completely secure?
In practice, few things are ever perfectly secure. Security experts tend to talk about reducing risk rather than removing it entirely, since new threats constantly emerge. A system, home or account can be made highly secure through layered protection, but 'completely secure' is usually a goal to aim for rather than a guarantee.