as in reliable
not likely to fail
flowers have been traditionally regarded as the fail-safe gift for Valentine's Day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in precaution
a measure taken to preclude loss or injury
there are so many fail-safes built into the system that a highly unlikely series of mistakes would have to be made before failure could occur
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of fail-safe
Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 12 Nov. 2025
For a fail-safe choice, go for a white fabric liner constructed of polyester, canvas, or other natural fiber iterations (that are either mildew-resistant, water-repellent, and/or machine washable).
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2025
Jenny Barchfield, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026
His fail-safe designs made Valentino the king of the red carpet, the go-to man for A-listers' awards ceremony needs.
—CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fail-safe
Adjective
At this time, there is no fail-safe way for creators to determine if AI companies have used their work to train models, which can violate copyrights of the works of countless artists.
—Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 12 Nov. 2025
For a fail-safe choice, go for a white fabric liner constructed of polyester, canvas, or other natural fiber iterations (that are either mildew-resistant, water-repellent, and/or machine washable).
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2025
Noun
His fail-safe designs made Valentino the king of the red carpet, the go-to man for A-listers’ awards ceremony needs.
—Jenny Barchfield, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026
His fail-safe designs made Valentino the king of the red carpet, the go-to man for A-listers' awards ceremony needs.
—CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fail-safe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fail-safe
Adjective
-
Ellie Roebuck Hasn’t been capped since 2023 but back in the WSL with Aston Villa and back in Wiegman’s squad as a reliable reserve ‘keeper.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The genre hit its stride in the late-’90s and early-2000s, as the formula became a reliable commercial play.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Police urge precautions as temperatures rise As temperatures rise, police are urging families to take precautions.—
Aaron Parseghian,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Nate, an internal medicine doctor, ran the Fargo race alongside his wife as a precaution.—
Rachel Roberts,
Idaho Statesman,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
While tight end and safety aren’t considered premium positions, both spots could use a surefire upgrade.—
Mike Kaye
March 30,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
-
According to Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez, there isn’t a surefire way to prepare his players.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Padlocks, sickles and other objects made of iron, a metal said to possess anti-demonic powers, were stashed in the grave as preventives.—
Franz Lidz,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2023
-
But although human vaccines function primarily as preventives, offering immunity to animals such as black-footed ferrets can be a conservation strategy of last resort.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2023
Adjective
-
Note that mmWave tech isn’t infallible, however.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Trump remains popular among his base and remarkably infallible in the eyes of his loyalist administration and still commands extraordinary deference from many leaders in his party.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fail-safe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fail-safe. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
