as in reliable
not likely to fail
flowers have been traditionally regarded as the fail-safe gift for Valentine's Day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in precaution
a measure taken to preclude loss or injury
there are so many fail-safes built into the system that a highly unlikely series of mistakes would have to be made before failure could occur
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fail-safe
Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 12 Nov. 2025
For a fail-safe choice, go for a white fabric liner constructed of polyester, canvas, or other natural fiber iterations (that are either mildew-resistant, water-repellent, and/or machine washable).
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2025
Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 20 Jan. 2026
His fail-safe designs made Valentino the king of the red carpet, the go-to man for A-listers’ awards ceremony needs.
—Jenny Barchfield, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fail-safe
Adjective
At this time, there is no fail-safe way for creators to determine if AI companies have used their work to train models, which can violate copyrights of the works of countless artists.
—Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 12 Nov. 2025
For a fail-safe choice, go for a white fabric liner constructed of polyester, canvas, or other natural fiber iterations (that are either mildew-resistant, water-repellent, and/or machine washable).
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2025
Noun
This is an opportunity for revenue generation that provides a fail-safe against property taxes.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 20 Jan. 2026
His fail-safe designs made Valentino the king of the red carpet, the go-to man for A-listers’ awards ceremony needs.
—Jenny Barchfield, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fail-safe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fail-safe
Adjective
-
This Oxo spinner remains one of the most reliable options, with a smooth pump mechanism and sturdy construction that holds up better than most.—
Jennifer Zyman,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In his first varsity season, the junior infielder/pitcher has developed into a reliable reliever for the Warriors.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Dubious precautions Mounting interest in the potential benefits of psychedelic drugs has led to a rise in psychedelic retreats around the world.—
Theara Coleman,
TheWeek,
24 Apr. 2026
-
People living in areas with red flag warnings are asked to take extra precautions to avoid accidentally igniting a fire.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s no shortcut or surefire way to become the perfect candidate for the Forbes Under 30 list.—
Alexandra York,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Michigan’s seemingly surefire victory Monday night — predicted widely by pundits across the country beforehand — appeared in peril at times throughout the first half.—
Sean Neumann,
PEOPLE,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Padlocks, sickles and other objects made of iron, a metal said to possess anti-demonic powers, were stashed in the grave as preventives.—
Franz Lidz,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2023
-
But although human vaccines function primarily as preventives, offering immunity to animals such as black-footed ferrets can be a conservation strategy of last resort.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2023
Adjective
-
The drones are not infallible because the wind — or other drones — can cause the cables to tangle.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Not a great job, mind you, and certainly not an infallible one.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fail-safe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fail-safe. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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