as in guards
a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation
the gun couldn't be fired as long as the safety was on
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 safeties
Minkah Fitzpatrick and other safeties have handled some of the Dolphins’ slot cornerback duties in Marshall’s absence.
—
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
But if teams want to play their safeties deep to defend wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, then the Cowboys will continue to feed Williams.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2025
Dude was a slant master, dinking and dunking to his heart’s delight, forcing safeties to creep up and putting linebackers on their heels.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 27 Oct. 2025
Tight end Dalton Schultz will be Stroud’s go-to guy, so the 49ers’ linebackers and safeties better not lose track of him.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2025
Look for their linebackers and safeties to tell the story of this game.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Oct. 2025
One of the top free-agent safeties on the market this past offseason, Holland has started all seven games for the Giants so far.
—Josh Buckhalter, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
On defense, Michigan played without safeties Rod Moore and Brandyn Hillman, who dressed for the game but came out in street clothes after halftime.
—Austin Meek, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Opponents believe Stafford’s arm strength remains good, inducing them to line up two safeties deep.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
But if teams want to play their safeties deep to defend wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, then the Cowboys will continue to feed Williams.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2025
Dude was a slant master, dinking and dunking to his heart’s delight, forcing safeties to creep up and putting linebackers on their heels.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 27 Oct. 2025
Tight end Dalton Schultz will be Stroud’s go-to guy, so the 49ers’ linebackers and safeties better not lose track of him.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2025
Look for their linebackers and safeties to tell the story of this game.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Oct. 2025
One of the top free-agent safeties on the market this past offseason, Holland has started all seven games for the Giants so far.
—Josh Buckhalter, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
On defense, Michigan played without safeties Rod Moore and Brandyn Hillman, who dressed for the game but came out in street clothes after halftime.
—Austin Meek, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Opponents believe Stafford’s arm strength remains good, inducing them to line up two safeties deep.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for safeties
Noun
-
Atlanta played much better in a 1-point loss to the Patriots on the road last Sunday, but there are major concerns on the O-line after starting guards Matthew Bergeron and Chris Lindstrom had to leave the Pats game early.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Haydar was prisoner 13077 at Abu Ghraib, one of those photographed by the American army prison guards in various positions of agony.—
Ben Wedeman,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The TikTok-beloved Dyson Supersonic is designed to protect hair from extreme heat damage and frizz while leaving locks extra smooth and shiny.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
7 Nov. 2025
-
This clever coffee table’s top lifts smoothly and locks into place to create a dining area or workspace.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Safeties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/safeties. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share