surety

play

noun sure·ty \ˈshu̇r(-ə)-tē\

Definition of surety

plural

sureties

1 : the state of being sure: such asa : sure knowledge : certaintyb : confidence in manner or behavior : assurance
2a : a formal engagement (such as a pledge) given for the fulfillment of an undertaking : guaranteeb : 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

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
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
She was released after posting a $25,000 bond, an additional $100,000 personal surety bond co-signed by her son, and ordered to wear a GPS ankle monitor.

— mike clary, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Ex-wife of accused Ponzi schemer lied about where he was, feds say," 7 June 2017
But as Borger shows us with great subtlety and surety, Lucille Frank eventually realizes that the forces amassed against her husband have nothing to do with any potential guilt.

— chris jones, chicagotribune.com, "In Glencoe, a reminder that 'Parade' won't pass us by," 1 June 2017
Murray, outfitted with an electronic ankle monitor, remains free on a $100,000 property and surety bond while awaiting the outcome of his appeal.

— ken daley, NOLA.com, "Co-defendant of acquitted Tulane football star appeals armed robbery conviction," 31 May 2017
The real Divine, Logan said with surety, would love its status.

— chris kaltenbach, baltimoresun.com, "Statue of Divine gets a permanent home at the American Visionary Art Museum," 31 May 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 Defined for English Language Learners

surety

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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

play

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

Additional Notes on surety

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.