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
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Recent Examples of safeties
The Dolphins also must find two defensive ends who can set the edge, three cornerbacks capable of starting in the NFL and two starting safeties.
—
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 10 May 2026
Minter and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver figure to have three safeties on the field a lot.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 7 May 2026
If the Patriots keep five safeties and don’t add any more, then the group will likely be Byard and Woodson as starters and Brown, Pettus and Schooler as depth.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026
Both starting safeties from last season left in free agency — Kevin Byard to the New England Patriots and Jaquan Brisker to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
For most of their history, the Panthers have gotten by with mediocre safeties, undervaluing a position that can be manned by a real game-changer.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
Thieneman could also be in play due to health uncertainty around safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026
This is a great draft for inside linebackers and safeties.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
The middle of the NFL draft can be a great point for finding linebackers, safeties and tight ends.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 10 May 2026
Minter and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver figure to have three safeties on the field a lot.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 7 May 2026
If the Patriots keep five safeties and don’t add any more, then the group will likely be Byard and Woodson as starters and Brown, Pettus and Schooler as depth.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026
Both starting safeties from last season left in free agency — Kevin Byard to the New England Patriots and Jaquan Brisker to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
For most of their history, the Panthers have gotten by with mediocre safeties, undervaluing a position that can be manned by a real game-changer.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
Thieneman could also be in play due to health uncertainty around safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026
This is a great draft for inside linebackers and safeties.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
The middle of the NFL draft can be a great point for finding linebackers, safeties and tight ends.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for safeties
Noun
-
The best teams built around Dončić have had complementary guards (Jalen Brunson, Kyrie Irving) who could take on playmaking duties for long stretches independently and play off the ball with him.—
Dan Woike,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
-
Ross described strict rules and constant shouting from guards and condescending treatment at the detention facility in Louisiana.—
Jade le Deley,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Someone spurted hair spray on Tate McRae’s long locks.—
Jane Bua,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
-
The influencer wore her hair in a low ponytail, with a few locks gently falling on the sides of her face.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Safeties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/safeties. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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