fail-safes

noun

plural of fail-safe
as in precautions
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

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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-safes Deeper studies of such events can help manufacturers implement fail-safes to protect solar panels in the future. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026 The team also developed numerous fail-safes to ensure consistent, trustworthy performance. — IEEE Spectrum, 26 Sep. 2016
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fail-safes
  1. precautions
  2. safeguards
Noun
  • Take these precautions during water activities Swimmers, particularly those in southern states and warm coastal waters, should expect a minimal risk of contracting a pathogen in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, brackish waters and hot springs.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated the reopening on Monday morning, and her administration outlined precautions to beat back the outbreak.
    — Abraham Tellez, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of precautions
Noun
  • But some of the safeguards meant to preserve that legacy have driven his children apart, according to trusts and estates attorneys.
    — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Meta said the new safeguards will only apply in the United States, with most in place for 10 years.
    — Barbara Ortutay, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of safeguards

Browse Nearby Words

fail-safe
fail-safes
fails (at)
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Cite this Entry

“Fail-safes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fail-safes. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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