safety net

noun

: something that provides security against misfortune or difficulty

Examples of safety net in a Sentence

The program provides a safety net for people who have lost their jobs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For this generation, mom and dad aren’t just cheerleaders from the sidelines—they’re the first call, the safety net, and increasingly, the plus one. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026 Medicaid is a safety net for many low-income Americans. Frankie McLister, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026 Unlike some other safety nets, though, an emergency fund requires you to take action before you're laid off or hit with another financial emergency. Brian Sloan,dan Avery, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026 Integral Care, Central Health with CommUnityCare, and Ascension Seton make up most of the health safety net for Austin and Travis County — mental health, specialty and primary care, and hospital care. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for safety net

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of safety net was in 1877

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Safety net.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safety%20net. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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