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
As noted last week, linebackers coach Frank Bush and secondary/safeties coach Steve Jackson stand out as two Titans assistants with strong ties to Wilson who could follow him to New York.
—
Dan Duggan, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Harbaugh has a history of prioritizing corners and safeties in play acquisition.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026
Before his stint with the Chargers, O’Leary spent six seasons coaching in different roles at Notre Dame, eventually becoming a defensive backs and safeties coach.
—Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
The Chargers named Chris O’Leary, their former safeties coach, as Minter’s replacement on Wednesday night.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 29 Jan. 2026
Downard had been with the Packers since 2018, serving one year as quality control coach on the defensive side and then working three seasons as their assistant defensive backs coach before he was promoted to safeties coach in 2022 and defensive backs coach before the 2023 season.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
Defensive passing game coordinator/safeties coach Andre Curtis, secondary/cornerbacks coach David Overstreet II and linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi were let go by the organization.
—Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
Savvy to Seattle’s variety of coverages, many featuring two deep safeties, quarterback Matthew Stafford had no turnovers in the two games.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2026
On separate snaps, the Patriots rushed three, four, five, six and seven defenders, using linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties as blitzers.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
Dan Duggan, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Harbaugh has a history of prioritizing corners and safeties in play acquisition.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026
Before his stint with the Chargers, O’Leary spent six seasons coaching in different roles at Notre Dame, eventually becoming a defensive backs and safeties coach.
—Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
The Chargers named Chris O’Leary, their former safeties coach, as Minter’s replacement on Wednesday night.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 29 Jan. 2026
Downard had been with the Packers since 2018, serving one year as quality control coach on the defensive side and then working three seasons as their assistant defensive backs coach before he was promoted to safeties coach in 2022 and defensive backs coach before the 2023 season.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
Defensive passing game coordinator/safeties coach Andre Curtis, secondary/cornerbacks coach David Overstreet II and linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi were let go by the organization.
—Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
Savvy to Seattle’s variety of coverages, many featuring two deep safeties, quarterback Matthew Stafford had no turnovers in the two games.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2026
On separate snaps, the Patriots rushed three, four, five, six and seven defenders, using linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties as blitzers.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for safeties
Noun
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Egg rushes to retrieve Dunk, who finds Aerion and his men destroying the puppet show, with Aerion even breaking Tanselle’s fingers, causing Dunk to snap and start beating on the prince before the guards are able to restrain him.—
Derek Lawrence,
Vulture,
3 Feb. 2026
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And maybe one of our guards would raise his hand.—
DIAMOND VENCES,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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These head-turning spritzes are typically color-safe and instantly refresh your locks with a hit of hydration and shine.—
Andrea Navarro,
Glamour,
29 Jan. 2026
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To remedy this, DIYers with plumbing experience can tighten up the valve with a set of channel locks, replace the valve, or repair the connection between the valve and the tank by adding plumber's dope or plumber's tape to help improve the seal.—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Safeties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/safeties. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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