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
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Recent Examples of safeties
The Aggies bring back both starting safeties, Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe, along with experienced depth players Bryce Anderson and Myles Davis.
—
Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
The Dolphins’ defensive back room became a lot more crowded last week when two safeties and four cornerbacks signed modest contracts.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
And pay Tony Jefferson, arguably one of the best safeties in the league last year.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Whether or not 2024 second-round pick Renardo Green gets traded in the next month, the 49ers seem committed to young defensive backs, including safeties Malik Mustapha, Ji’Ayir Brown and Marques Sigle.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2026
The Panthers feel good about Tre’von Moehrig and Lathan Ransom, but the big nickel package needs three safeties to thrive.
—Mike Kaye
updated March 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
Phillips is a two-way player who will bolster the Panthers’ ability to stop the run with two-deep safeties and give some juice to a pass rush that ranked 24th in pass rush win rate.
—Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
But safeties and cornerbacks are like relief pitchers in baseball.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 9 Mar. 2026
While in Pittsburgh, Fitzpatrick was selected to five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams while becoming one of the best safeties in the NFL.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2026
Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
The Dolphins’ defensive back room became a lot more crowded last week when two safeties and four cornerbacks signed modest contracts.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
And pay Tony Jefferson, arguably one of the best safeties in the league last year.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Whether or not 2024 second-round pick Renardo Green gets traded in the next month, the 49ers seem committed to young defensive backs, including safeties Malik Mustapha, Ji’Ayir Brown and Marques Sigle.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2026
The Panthers feel good about Tre’von Moehrig and Lathan Ransom, but the big nickel package needs three safeties to thrive.
—Mike Kaye
updated March 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
Phillips is a two-way player who will bolster the Panthers’ ability to stop the run with two-deep safeties and give some juice to a pass rush that ranked 24th in pass rush win rate.
—Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
But safeties and cornerbacks are like relief pitchers in baseball.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 9 Mar. 2026
While in Pittsburgh, Fitzpatrick was selected to five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams while becoming one of the best safeties in the NFL.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for safeties
Noun
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Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has confirmed the death of Larijani, along with his son Morteza Larijani and the head of his office, Alireza Bayat, as well as several guards, the Associated Press reported.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2026
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The only guards on duty today are hat-tipping doormen ushering guests into snow-white corridors lined with gold.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Police are advising businesses in the area to keep their property lit, immediately repair any broken windows or locks, and, if available, save a copy of any surveillance video for detectives.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
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For a limited time, folks who donate locks of their hair to the record-setting hairball near the entrance get 25% off the price of a combo ticket.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Safeties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/safeties. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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