Debentures are long-term debt instruments used by companies to raise funds from the public. They offer investors a fixed interest rate and are usually secured against company assets. Some synonyms for the word "debentures" include corporate bonds, fixed-income securities, investment-grade bonds, notes, and debt securities. Corporate bonds are similar to debentures in that they are also issued by companies to raise capital, but they may have different terms and conditions. Fixed-income securities and debt securities are broader terms that encompass a variety of debt instruments, including debentures. Notes are short-term debt securities that also offer a fixed rate of interest. Investors can choose from a range of different types of debt securities to diversify their portfolios and manage their risk.