safety

noun

ˈsāf-tē How to pronounce safety (audio)
Definition of safetynext
1
as in security
the state of not being exposed to danger we were lucky to make it to safety just as the lions broke loose from their cage at the zoo

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in guard
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

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 safety New lawsuits brought against OpenAI on Wednesday over a school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, accuse the ChatGPT maker's executives of putting its public image ahead of public safety. — Shannon Bond, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 Defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman made clear this week that Dunnigan is ready to help and will be in the rotation at safety. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 Two players — quarterback Ryan Rakowski and safety Jalen Flowers — have been outstanding in delivering big plays. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Extreme weather is already changing the practical considerations around fashion week itself, Morand said, particularly logistics, transportation and guest safety. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for safety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for safety
  1. security
  2. guard
  3. protection
  4. lock
Noun
  • The Foundry School is part of the State Department’s Pax Silica program, focused on AI and supply chain security, and includes a partnership with Stanford University to offer advanced-manufacturing curricula across eight college campuses.
    — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The latest development came a day after the military said security forces killed 15 militants who were attempting to cross into northwestern Pakistan from Afghanistan.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of security
Noun
  • Patterson, who turns 27 on Tuesday, has experience at guard and center, and the 49ers needed a backup at both spots considering Toth’s lingering concussion symptoms.
    — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • So the first-year guard had to wait around and trust that his new team would figure out a way to get him in the door.
    — Tony East, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of guard
Noun
  • Married minors may also face legal barriers to hiring an attorney, filing for divorce or obtaining protection from abuse.
    — Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The offensive line blocked well in pass protection but struggled to get up to the linebackers in the running game, Drinkwitz said.
    — PJ Green September 4, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of protection
Noun
  • During the test, the lock and pivot assembly showed no displacement or structural failure.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Larger configurations, such as the R140X, incorporate swiveling crossbars with snap locks alongside vertical and horizontal dividers for customized interior partitioning.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of lock

Browse Nearby Words

safeties
safety
sag
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Safety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/safety. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on safety

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about safety

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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