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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.

I wouldn’t heavily renovate a rental property and still expect to get my security deposit back, especially without first discussing my plans with the landlord or management company.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

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

"There are one-time costs such as the security deposit, application fees and potential broker fees. Moving expenses can be surprisingly high — even if you're moving only a short distance."

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2025

You will no longer be required to pay rent and your landlord must return your security deposit.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2025

She had money saved up for a security deposit.

From "Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri

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