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
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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
CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026
The idea was to make bank oversight both stricter and more fail-safe.
—Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2023
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.
—CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026
The idea was to make bank oversight both stricter and more fail-safe.
—Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for fail-safe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fail-safe
Adjective
-
That’s a volatile way to win games, not a reliable one.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The companies aim to explore whether nuclear energy can provide a reliable and efficient power source for long-distance maritime transport.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In an alert released Friday, the CDPHE said students and staff who may need to take additional health precautions will be contacted directly by local public health officials and school administrators.—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
His attorney said the incident was part of a mental health crisis and that precautions ensured no one was in the building.—
Todd Richmond,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Soft Textures One surefire way to kill a cozy vibe according to Jones is too many hard surfaces and not enough soft textures.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Experiencing the area's wineries is a top activity for many visiting Watkins Glen, and charting a course along the wine trail is a surefire way to taste some of the region’s best vintages while taking in beautiful views.—
Kelsey Fowler,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Feb. 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
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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 12 Mar. 2026.
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