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
Hall and Purter are a pair 4-star safeties in the 2026 class looking to get in the mix.
—
Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
The Cowboys are in line to speak with Broncos defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard, Vikings defensive pass game coordinator Daronte Jones and Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026
Warren joins former Boise State wide receivers coach Matt Miller and safeties coach Tyler Stockton in departing the program in recent days.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
The younger safeties have learned from the outspoken veteran.
—Mike Kaye
january 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
The Bobcats have lost safeties Ryan Nolan and Javis Mynatt, and defensive tackle Kamren Washington to the portal, along with center Brock Riker.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
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 your nickel backs and safeties have to be physical, sound and on their toes.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 27 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
Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
The Cowboys are in line to speak with Broncos defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard, Vikings defensive pass game coordinator Daronte Jones and Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026
Warren joins former Boise State wide receivers coach Matt Miller and safeties coach Tyler Stockton in departing the program in recent days.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
The younger safeties have learned from the outspoken veteran.
—Mike Kaye
january 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
The Bobcats have lost safeties Ryan Nolan and Javis Mynatt, and defensive tackle Kamren Washington to the portal, along with center Brock Riker.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
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 your nickel backs and safeties have to be physical, sound and on their toes.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 27 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for safeties
Noun
-
Sports Equipment While the dishwasher isn't ideal for cleaning baseball caps, uniforms, or equipment heavily-coated with mud, a trip through a dishwasher cycle is ideal to remove bacteria and odors from mouth guards and hard plastic shin guards.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Texas guards contributed as well.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This rich serum replaces ceramides and locks in moisture, leaving skin over 40 feeling soft and plump.—
Colleen Sullivan,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Defense lawyer Nico LaHood asked her about the policies regarding door locks at Robb Elementary and other schools.—
Matthew J. Friedman,
CNN Money,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Safeties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/safeties. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share