'Guaranty' vs 'Guarantee': What's the Difference?

Wondering which word to use – ‘guaranty’ or ‘guarantee’? And what is the difference between the two? We’ll clear that up in this article, plus teach you how to use both words in a sentence.

In short, the difference between the words is:

• ‘Guaranty’ is a specific type of guarantee, and it’s only used as a noun.
• ‘Guarantee’ is an agreement or the act of making an agreement. It can be used as a noun or a verb.

As you can see, these words mean slightly different things. Therefore, you should avoid using them interchangeably.

‘Guarantee’ vs. ‘Guaranty’ – What’s the Difference?

As you just learned, the difference between ‘guarantee and ‘guaranty is that the former means ‘an agreement’ or ‘the act of making an agreement,’ and the latter means a specific type of guarantee.

They’re words that sound the same but mean slightly different things. However, they don’t qualify as homophones.

‘Guaranty’ vs. ‘Guarantee’ – Assuring the Correct Spelling

If you want to be sure you’re spelling the word right, make sure you’re using the right word. If you’re referring to an agreement or the act of making an agreement, you’re talking about a ‘guarantee.’

However, if you’re referring to a specific type of ‘guarantee,’ use the spelling with the ‘y.’

Definition and Meaning of ‘Guaranty’ and ‘Guarantee’

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of ‘guarantee’ is the assurance that a condition will be fulfilled or to answer for a debt, default, or miscarriage of.

It could also mean to give security to or engage in the existence, permanence, or nature of.

It might also mean asserting confidently.

The same dictionary defines ‘guaranty’ as an undertaking to answer for the payment of a debt or something given as security.

It might also mean the protection of a right given by a legal provision.

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce ‘Guaranty’ and ‘Guarantee’

Wondering how to pronounce these words? Here’s a short guide.

• To pronounce both words correctly here’s the phonetic spelling: GARR-UHN-TEE

How to Use ‘Guaranty’ and ‘Guarantee’ in a Sentence

Now that you know what the words mean and how to pronounce them correctly, let’s see a few examples of how to use them in a sentence.

• I guarantee you’ll love this car more than anything you’ve ever driven. Take it for a test drive.
• Can I help you with this? I guarantee we’ll get it done twice as fast.
• This store has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Hopefully, I won’t need to use it.
• I guarantee you it’s going to take you much longer to get in to unlock the door than it would take me.

Now let’s see how to use ‘guaranty’ in a sentence correctly.

• The bank said they needed a binding guaranty and another cosigner before they could approve my request for a loan.
• Someone who signs a guaranty is called a guarantor.
• I guarantee you that your website will stay completely up to date with our service.
• I should have never signed the guaranty for your business loan. You haven’t even done anything since you got your business license.

Final Thoughts on ‘Guaranty’ and ‘Guarantee’

To recap, we learned that these two words sound the same but have slightly different meanings. Therefore, you shouldn’t use them interchangeably.

If you ever get stuck on usage or meaning, you can always come back and refresh your memory. We’ve got a whole library of content on other confusing words and phrases you might see while learning the language. Go check it out anytime.