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
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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
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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
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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
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Her slightly shorter brunette locks feature a hint of golden highlights that frame her face.—
Staff Author,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
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Each container comes with a matching lid with a silicone gasket, which provides an airtight seal and locks in freshness.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Safeties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/safeties. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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