earnest money

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

I only went through with the purchase because I didn’t want to lose $50,000 earnest money and I thought we were going to instantly put it back on market to try to break even.

From Slate • Nov. 21, 2022

“With new construction, you usually only have 15 to 30 days, depending on the contract, to get your earnest money back,” Rueth says.

From Washington Post • Mar. 17, 2022

“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