surety

noun

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sure·ty | \ ˈshu̇r(-ə)-tē

, ˈshər- \

plural sureties

Definition of surety

1 : the state of being sure: such as

a : sure knowledge : certainty

b : confidence in manner or behavior : assurance

2a : a formal engagement (such as a pledge) given for the fulfillment of an undertaking : guarantee

b : a basis of confidence or security

3 : one who has become legally liable for the debt, default, or failure in duty of another

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Examples of surety in a Sentence

As sureties, they will be liable in his place. gave his surety that he would pay back the loan if his sister was unable to for any reason

Recent Examples on the Web Michelle de Joya’s Velma doesn’t have quite the confidence and surety of her more seasoned stagemate. — Dominic P. Papatola, Twin Cities, "Latte Da’s ‘Chicago’: It’s brighter and lighter, with plenty of razzle-dazzle," 22 Sep. 2019 Secondly, he was also required to provide two sureties who own properties in Abuja worth 50 million naira each. — Rudolf Ogoo Okonkwo, Quartz Africa, "A New York-based journalist has become the face of shrinking press freedom in Nigeria," 16 Nov. 2019 The five suspects were arraigned Tuesday at District Court and were released on surety bail. — BostonGlobe.com, "Providence couple accused of running Silver Lake brothel - The Boston Globe," 25 Oct. 2019 Court records show that a bail bond insurance company in Florida provided the surety to secure their release. — cleveland, "Saudi students escaping US justice: Video shows brutal bar attack, Porsche getaway," 29 Mar. 2019 Chudhary's parents and cousin, who were present, would sign as sureties. — Lauren Del Valle, CNN, "New York man ordered held without bail after allegedly plotting an ISIS-inspired attack," 30 Aug. 2019 Friends and family offered up their houses as sureties on a $2 million bond. — Alison Griswold, Quartz, "“Silicon Valley is not the Wild West”: Anthony Levandowski faces criminal charges for stealing trade secrets," 28 Aug. 2019 King writes with the kind of surety normally associated only with veteran writers. — New York Times, "Notes From the Book Review Archives," 1 June 2018 America might also offer the surety of a deal which, unlike the original, would be enshrined in a treaty ratified by the Senate from which no president could withdraw off his own bat. — The Economist, "Breaking the nuclear deal ratchets up the conflict between Iran and America," 28 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'surety.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

8 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Surety.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surety. Accessed 12 December 2019.

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More Definitions for surety

surety

noun

English Language Learners Definition of surety

law : money that you give as a guarantee that you will do what you are legally required to do (such as to appear in court)

law : someone who agrees to be legally responsible if another person fails to pay a debt or to perform a duty

formal : the state of being or feeling sure or certain

See the full definition for surety in the English Language Learners Dictionary

surety

noun

sure·ty | \ ˈshu̇r-ə-tē

plural sureties

Legal Definition of surety

1 : a formal engagement (as a pledge) given for the fulfillment of an undertaking

2 : one (as an accommodation party) who promises to answer for the debt or default of another

Note: At common law a surety is distinguished from a guarantor by being immediately liable as opposed to becoming liable only upon default of the principal. Under the Uniform Commercial Code, however, a surety includes a guarantor, and the two terms are generally interchangeable.

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