safer; safest
1
not used before a noun
a
: not able or likely to be hurt or harmed in any way : not in danger
I don't feel safe in this neighborhood.
The kids were safe in the cabin.
We need to make sure that the children are safe and sound.
b
: not able or likely to be lost, taken away, or given away
"Is the money safe?" "Yes, it's in the bank."
Be sure to keep your wallet safe. [=keep it in a place where it can't be stolen]
The election is next week, and the polls show that her lead is safe. [=her lead is large; she will not lose her lead]
Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me. [=I will not tell anyone else your secret]
2
a
: not involving or likely to involve danger, harm, or loss
a world made safe from war
Is it safe to walk here?
He wished us a safe trip.
We are all hoping for their safe return. [=hoping that they will return without being harmed]
b
: providing protection from danger, harm, or loss
I found a safe place to take shelter from the storm.
They live in a perfectly/relatively safe neighborhood.
a safe harbor
We watched the fireworks from a safe distance.
You should keep your money in a safe [=secure] place.
Bigger cars tend to be safer than smaller ones.
the safest way to travel
The shelter provides a safe haven for the homeless.
3
: not causing harm : not dangerous
safe medicine
a safe vaccine
safe drinking water
The book describes which mushrooms are safe to eat and which are not.
4
a
: not likely to cause a bad result : not risky
a safe investment/bet
b
: not likely to take risks : cautious or careful
She's a very safe driver.
It's probably not necessary to check the figures again, but (it's ) better (to be ) safe than sorry. [=it is better to be careful now so that problems do not occur later on]
To be on the safe side, I checked the figures again. = To be safe, I checked the figures again.
I decided to play it safe [=to be careful and avoid risk or danger] and leave early so that I would be sure to arrive on time.
5
: not likely to cause disagreement or argument
That's a safe assumption.
It's safe to assume that she isn't married.
Politics is not a safe subject around him. He's always angry about something.
I think it's safe to say that he won't be causing any further problems.
She is a safe bet to win the tournament. [=she will probably win the tournament]
6
baseball
: successful at getting to a base without being put out
The runner was safe on a close play at first base.
chiefly US, informal
: in a safe way
Be sure to drive safe. [=safely]
plural safes
: a strong metal box with a lock that is used to store money or valuable things
Cite this Entry
“Safe.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/safe. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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