surety

noun sure·ty \ ˈshu̇r(-ə)-tē \

Definition of surety

plural sureties

1 :the state of being sure: such as

a :sure knowledge :certainty

b :confidence in manner or behavior :assurance

2 a :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

—

suretyship

play \-ˌship\ noun

See surety defined for English-language learners

See surety defined for kids

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 of surety from the Web

Lanza, charged with driving under the influence and resisting arrest, was released on a $10,000 non-surety bond and is due in court Tuesday.

— vinny vella, Courant Community, "Police Say Detective Used Racial Slurs During DUI Arrest," 30 Aug. 2017
Prosecutor Mark Brodsky recommended that the bond stay at $500,000 cash or surety.

— mikaela porter, courant.com, "Woman Charged With Attempted Murder After West Hartford Stabbing, Police Say," 15 Aug. 2017
Moving forward, the surety company will be responsible for the completion of the project under the specifications and satisfaction of the state.

— john sowell, idahostatesman, "He won a national small-business award. Now his company is defaulting on projects.," 31 July 2017
Senat, 37, was released April 26 from the Palm Beach County Jail on a $35,000 surety bond, after being arrested the day before on a manslaughter charge.

— nick sortal, miamiherald, "Top poker pro, backer caught up in dispute," 18 July 2017
Schoeff said charges were filed and a warrant was issued for one count of child seduction and $5,000 cash or surety bond.

— jessica hice, Indianapolis Star, "Carmel voice instructor charged with child seduction after kissing, hugging minor," 17 July 2017
Laterzo said the family could put together $5,000 cash for Johnson's bond, which is set at $125,000 surety, or $12,500 cash.

— ruth ann krause, Post-Tribune, "Bail reduction request denied for Gary man charged in June shooting," 6 July 2017
Sherri Richter, 48, of Frenchtown Township, was arraigned today on the felony charges, with bond set at $100,000 cash or surety, the sheriff's office reports.

— robert allen, Detroit Free Press, "Boy bound, locked in burning car at cemetery; mother charged," 29 June 2017
Medrano posted a $100,000 surety, $10,000 cash bond, according to state police Friday.

— becky jacobs, Post-Tribune, "Indicted Lake County officer turns himself in, police say," 23 June 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of surety

Middle English seurte, from Anglo-French seurté, from Latin securitat-, securitas security, from securus

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First Known Use: 14th century

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surety Synonyms

Synonyms

bond, contract, covenant, deal, guaranty, guarantee, warranty

Antonyms

doubt, incertitude, nonconfidence, uncertainty

Related Words

oath, pledge, troth, vow, word; accord, bargain, compact, concordat, convention, pact, treaty; assurance, insurance, seal; bail, deposit, pawn, security

Near Antonyms

hesitancy, hesitation, indecisiveness, irresolution; disbelief, incredulity, unbelief; anxiety, concern, misgiving; distrust, mistrust, suspicion

SURETY Defined for English Language Learners

surety

noun

Definition of surety for English Language Learners

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
: the state of being or feeling sure or certain

Law Dictionary

surety

noun sure·ty \ ˈshu̇r-ə-tē \

legal Definition of surety

plural sureties

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.