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

Filice-Smith said Medi-Cal provided a critical safety net for people in her community. — JosÉ Luis Villegas, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Backers of the measure say the parks department provides an essential safety net for the city’s low-income residents, offering summer camps, sports activities and senior programs for free or at reduced prices. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

At a time when the social safety net is fraying and affordability is a midterm-election mantra, churches are stepping into the void. — John Blake, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Having work requirements creates accountability for people who rely on the social safety net, said Montana Senate President Matt Regier, a Republican. — Aaron Bolton, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for safety net

• electrojet
• plantagenet
• videlicet
• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• binet
• briquette