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
But these days in a pass-happy NFL, having reliable safeties can make the difference between a win and a loss.
—
Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
Theo Jackson was unspectacular playing next to Smith last season, Josh Metellus is better in a hybrid role and the other safeties on the roster are primarily special teamers.
—Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
Along with losing four of its starting five defensive backs from last season, the program saw the departure of its cornerbacks and safeties coaches.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 17 Apr. 2026
Big nickels are safeties who play in the slot but have a multitude of responsibilities.
—Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Veach compared Gilman to some of the better Chiefs safeties of the last decade.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026
Allen features clean movement skills and enough speed to threaten safeties.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Those are the only three safeties who Jeremiah lists among his top 50 prospects.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026
Our middle safeties are breaking on the ball.
—Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 7 Apr. 2026
Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
Theo Jackson was unspectacular playing next to Smith last season, Josh Metellus is better in a hybrid role and the other safeties on the roster are primarily special teamers.
—Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
Along with losing four of its starting five defensive backs from last season, the program saw the departure of its cornerbacks and safeties coaches.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 17 Apr. 2026
Big nickels are safeties who play in the slot but have a multitude of responsibilities.
—Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Veach compared Gilman to some of the better Chiefs safeties of the last decade.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026
Allen features clean movement skills and enough speed to threaten safeties.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Those are the only three safeties who Jeremiah lists among his top 50 prospects.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026
Our middle safeties are breaking on the ball.
—Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 7 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for safeties
Noun
-
Allen now makes and sells Safe Soss (pronounced like sauce), which include carbon filters or guards for attics and vents, fiberglass heat-resistant ember-stopping tape and a spray fire retardant that can work from a garden hose, all of which recently became available at a major hardware chain.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The lugs and crown guards are decorated with yet more diamonds.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
These locks don’t rely on thin cables or plastic.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Immediate freezing locks in nutrients and protects against degradation.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Safeties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/safeties. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
