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 Russell Mathew Moore, as surety for Moorekraft Paint and Decorating, 13619 NW. — Star Tribune, "Recent bankruptcy filings in Minneapolis and St. Paul," 10 Jan. 2021 A year later, a surety company called RLI Insurance sued Libre in a federal court in Virginia for allegedly failing to pay when immigrants breached their bond by not showing up in court. — Washington Post, "Company accused of preying on immigrants agrees to $425,000 settlement with Va. regulators," 1 Dec. 2020 Richard Charles Levang, as surety for Levang Enterprises, and Kristin Michelle Levang, 9278 S. Jergen Av., Cottage Grove; filed Nov. 23, 20-32686; Chap. 7; assets, $662,910; liabilities, $824,904. — Star Tribune, "Recent bankruptcy filings in Minneapolis and St. Paul," 29 Nov. 2020 Evan Michael Tepper, as surety for Ten Twenty-Six LLC, 17 Homedale Road. — Star Tribune, "Recent bankruptcy filings in Minneapolis and St. Paul," 15 Nov. 2020 Allegheny Casualty Company is listed as the surety for Chauvin on a court document. — Joel Shannon, USA TODAY, "Derek Chauvin, ex-police officer accused of killing George Floyd, out on $1 million bail," 7 Oct. 2020 Jesse James Stevenson, as surety for Dart Escape LLC, and Grace Beaulieu Stevenson, 1155 E. 4th St., St. Paul; filed Aug. 18, 20-32021; Chap. 7; assets, $404,649; liabilities, $662,435. — Staff Reports Star Tribune, Star Tribune, "Recent bankruptcy filings in Minneapolis and St. Paul," 23 Aug. 2020 Russell James Toscano, as surety for Wisteria Design Studio Ltd., 4800 Bloomington Av., Minneapolis; filed July 28, 20-41904; Chap. 7; assets, $22,235; liabilities, $165,656. — Staff Reports Star Tribune, Star Tribune, "Recent bankruptcy filings in Minneapolis and St. Paul," 2 Aug. 2020 Westfall is in the Johnson County Jail on a $7,000 surety and $600 cash bond. — Mj Slaby, Indianapolis Star, "Greenwood man accused of lighting 2 vehicles on fire early Sunday," 22 Mar. 2020

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

22 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Surety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surety. Accessed 27 Jan. 2021.

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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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