insecure

adjective

ˌin-si-ˈkyu̇r How to pronounce insecure (audio)
Definition of insecurenext
1
as in loose
not tightly fastened, tied, or stretched insecure twine allowed the bundle of newspapers to break open as soon as it was tossed to the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in worried
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty I always feel insecure in those high-end highfalutin restaurants

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 insecure In Allegheny County, 43% of food-insecure children were likely ineligible for SNAP and similar benefits in 2025 because their household incomes exceeded 185% of the federal poverty line – US$61,050 for a family of four in 2026. — Amelia B. Finaret, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026 Some had to help younger siblings on and off the bus; others had insecure housing. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026 Imperioli played the erratic and insecure rising mobster Christopher Moltisanti across The Sopranos’ six-season run on HBO. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 Luis Enrique was insecure in his position at Barcelona at the end of 2014 before going on to win the treble that season. — Gregg Evans, New York Times, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for insecure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insecure
  1. loose
  2. worried
  3. loosened
  4. nervous
  5. unsecured
  6. anxious
  7. slack
  8. upset
Adjective
  • The right words could turn a loose idea into something real today.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The five-parter from Tiger King co-director Eric Goode features reptile dealers with a fondness for creepy crawlies and a loose connection to ethical and legal mores.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of loose
Adjective
  • Truth is, Westside Cowboy — all of whom are in their early to mid-twenties — are just as worried about it all as anyone else.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Buyers were interested but worried about the optics of a show revolving around two wealthy, gallivanting white guys.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of worried
Adjective
  • Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened gum and any soapy residue.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Hence shirt jackets and safari jackets in linen and leather came to the fore, as did denim Bermudas, linen polos and lots of lifestyle knits amid its more formal, full-canvas tailoring — styled with a loosened tie.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026
Definition of loosened
Adjective
  • Severe illness can affect the central nervous symptom and result in hospitalization or death.
    — Rashad Williams, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Given all that, is Green nervous about working within the system once more?
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of nervous
Adjective
  • Minor damage to tree limbs and unsecured outdoor objects is possible across the area.
    — CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • This unsecured starter card is great for students and those new to credit.
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of unsecured
Adjective
  • And the more anxious students become about their career prospects, the more attractive banks and banking clubs become.
    — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • While Turkey and Pakistan, on the borders of the Middle East, have avoided significant direct attacks, both are anxious to calm conflicts that threaten their own security and economic health.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of anxious
Adjective
  • Having replaced McGinn, Sancho was still settling into the game’s pace, but was markedly slack in possession.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The worst transition is from a frictionless sprint into slack time or shallow administrative work.
    — Yaniv Golan, Forbes.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of slack
Adjective
  • Once the veteran players and most of the top seeds vanished from the Canadian Open, succumbing to injury and upset, the stakes of the tournament in Montreal took on a new edge.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Council member Chris Whatley said the entire council has been upset about the news of a data center, and vowed to do everything in his official capacity to protect Keller residents.
    — Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of upset

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Cite this Entry

“Insecure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insecure. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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