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
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
As mentioned, safeties and big nickels are important positions in this defense.
—Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 26 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
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
Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
As mentioned, safeties and big nickels are important positions in this defense.
—Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 26 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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for safeties
Noun
-
Kennard, Smart fined Kennard and Smart were fined by the NBA for inappropriate conduct toward game officials, the league announced Monday, after the Lakers guards were involved in a postgame dust-up near midcourt on Sunday.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Categories covered by this author include home warranty, gutter guards, pest control, mattresses, roofing, car warranty, home insurance, car insurance, weight loss and hair loss.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Should five of these eight hear their names called on top of the five locks, UM would have double-digit draftees for the first time since 2002 when 11 Hurricanes players were selected.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Note the control and tightness of the hatched lines on the cheek, and the way the mark loosens with the locks of hair right next to it, like wind rushing around a building.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Safeties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/safeties. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
