earnest money
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of earnest money
First recorded in 1550–60
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You would also likely end up losing any deposits or earnest money you have paid thus far.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026
“If I had been on the listing side, I would have required additional earnest money that was non-refundable so there was more of a risk to the buyer.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026
Going through with a sale because you didn’t want to lose the earnest money is a perfect example of sunk cost fallacy.
From Slate • Nov. 21, 2022
Buyers face pressure to waive their financing contingency, meaning they could lose their earnest money if their loan falls through.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 15, 2021
“You and your husband had recently put down earnest money on this land. Is that correct, Mrs. Heine?”
From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
