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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.
Users in other eligible states will get the $1,500 first bet safety net. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025 Last week, the Administration proposed giving immigration officers the power to refuse permanent residency to lawful immigrants who make use of Medicaid and other public safety net programs. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 28 Nov. 2025 The scaffolding is often covered in mesh safety nets in green and other colors to prevent debris from falling onto pedestrians below. Peter Guo, NBC news, 27 Nov. 2025 Consider it your holiday cocktail safety net. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Safety net.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safety%20net. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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