safeties

plural of safety
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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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 Right now, the linebackers and safeties available in free agency are replacement level. Mike Kaye september 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025 The safeties took the brunt of some of the social media ire, and for the most part, the criticism was deserved. Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025 Blackmon missing the remainder of the season would be tough to deal with, and the Saints might have to see if there are some trades or available veteran safeties on the free agency market. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 Whomever the safeties were guarding. Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025 Peppers’ exit left the unheralded Jaylinn Hawkins and fourth-round rookie Craig Woodson entrenched as the Patriots’ starting safeties in a brand new scheme and the first line of defense against Bowers. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025 One option would be opening with three safeties (Fitzpatrick, Davis, Melifonwu), with Fitzpatrick in the slot. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025 The Canyon defense came up with two safeties. Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 30 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for safeties
Noun
  • Bolsonaro is under house arrest, surrounded by guards to prevent him from fleeing to a foreign embassy to request asylum.
    Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The latter option is particularly tantalizing because both guards offer valuable skills that could help a playoff hopeful be even more formidable in 2025-26.
    Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But within the romantic tropes, Sheeran expresses feelings beyond falling in love with someone’s eyes and smile, instead embracing flaws (clothes strewn about the house) and habits (checking the door locks before bedtime).
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This small step locks in extra hydration and has made a huge difference in my routine.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Safeties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/safeties. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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