guarantor

noun

guar·​an·​tor ˌger-ən-ˈtȯr 

ˌgär-, 

ˌga-rən-;

ˈger-ən-tər, 

ˈgär-, 

ˈga-rən- 

1

: one that promises to answer for the payment of a debt or performance of a duty in case of the other's default or failure to perform : one that gives a guaranty (see guarantee entry 1 sense 3)

2

: one that guarantees

Synonyms of guarantor

• sponsor
• patron

Examples of guarantor in a Sentence

the town police force is the guarantor of our safety

Recent Examples on the Web

Powell wasn’t always right, and following his doctrine is no guarantor of success. — Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026

Today, though, two of the largest guarantors of such completion bonds are merging in a move that could have a big impact on the indie film space. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 21 July 2026

Europe’s defense sovereignty push, spurred by Washington’s retreat as the continent’s security guarantor, has hit several hurdles in recent months, including the demise of a joint German-French fighter jet project. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 15 July 2026

Until the 1970s, women needed a male guarantor, often a husband, to buy homes and get credit cards. — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see guaranty entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for guarantor

• albacore
• alongshore
• antiwar
• anymore
• carnivore
• commodore
• dinosaur
• evermore
• furthermore
• herbivore
• heretofore
• matador

Kids Definition

guarantor

noun

guar·​an·​tor ˌgar-ən-ˈtȯ(ə)r  ˈgar-ən-tər 

ˌgär-, 

ˈgär-

: one that gives a guarantee

Legal Definition

guarantor

noun

guar·​an·​tor ˌgar-ən-ˈtȯr, ˌgär-; ˈgar-ən-tər, ˈgär- 

: one that makes or gives a guaranty