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Synonyms

security deposit

American  
[si-kyoor-i-tee-di-pahz-it] / sɪˈkyʊər ɪ ti dɪˌpɑz ɪt /

noun

  1. a deposit or sum of money paid in advance to an owner when renting something, usually refundable and meant to cover the owner's costs in case of damages.

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.

They require a security deposit that is usually equal to the credit limit, but they are easier to obtain for people with no or poor credit.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 18, 2025

Moving expenses can depend on the size of the move, the time of year, the distance and the cost of your new rent, security deposit and other fees.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2025

The truth is that less than 10% of pets cause damage, and when damage does occur, the average cost of repairs is $210, much less than the average security deposit.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2024

An advance on her pay covered her apartment’s security deposit.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 14, 2024

Better yet, the security deposit is only $100, which I produce on the spot.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

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.