plural guarantees
1
: a usually written promise: such as
a
: a promise that the quality of something (such as a product that is being sold) will be as good as expected
The washer comes with a guarantee against major defects.
The software comes with a money-back guarantee. [=a promise that the money you spend on a product will be returned if the product is not good enough]
b
: a promise that something is true or real
They wanted a guarantee that the document was authentic.
2
: a promise that something will happen or be done
They want the new contract to include a guarantee of job security.
The U.S. Constitution includes guarantees against unreasonable searches.
He cited the First Amendment guarantee of free speech.
3
: a thing that makes something sure to happen or exist
—often used in negative constructions
There is no guarantee that they will approve the contract. [=there is no way to be sure that they will approve it]
There's no guarantee they'll get here on time.
She took the job even though there was no guarantee of permanent employment.
4
: something valuable that the owner will allow to be taken if a promise is not kept or a loan is not paid back
We used our house as a guarantee for the loan. [=we said that the bank could take our house if we did not pay back the loan]
guarantees; guaranteed; guaranteeing
1
a
: to make a usually written promise that whatever you are selling, doing, etc., is what you say it is
The washer is guaranteed against defects for one year.
They guarantee that the diamonds they sell are top quality.
b
: to promise to pay for (something) if another person fails to pay for it
He offered to personally guarantee the loan.
The investment was guaranteed by the bank.
2
a
: to say (something) with great confidence
I guarantee that you'll be satisfied.
He guaranteed us that everything would go according to plan.
b
: to make (something) certain
We can't guarantee your safety. = We can't guarantee (you) that you'll be safe.
Money doesn't guarantee a happy life.
c
: to say that (something) will certainly happen
He guaranteed a victory in the championship game.
Cite this Entry
“Guarantee.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/guarantee. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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