safe space
noun
: a place (as on a college campus) intended to be free of bias, conflict, criticism, or potentially threatening actions, ideas, or conversations
… student volunteers put up posters advertising that a "safe space" would be available for anyone who found the debate too upsetting.—
Judith Shulevitz
Judith ShulevitzWomen, sexual assault victims, people of color, transgender students. College campuses have created "safe spaces" for all sorts of marginalized groups.—Catherine Rampell
Catherine RampellExamples of safe space in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The recurring event, part of the OC Animal Allies’ Helping Kids Canine Literacy Program, aims to provide children with a safe space to practice reading while interacting with the calm and attentive pups.
—Jeff Antenore, Oc Register, 9 June 2026
Back then, this information was a literal document, something that could be tangibly stored in a safe space and kept away from any nefarious or ill-intentioned parties.
—William Jones, USA Today, 3 June 2026
As June marks the start of Pride Month celebrations, a South Jersey book shop transforms into a safe space for community and connection.
—Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 1 June 2026
News at the second annual ball for Translatable, a non-profit organization started by the 18-year-old and her dad, Dwyane Wade, to create a safe space for LGBTQIA+ youth, Zaya opened up about her first year at college.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for safe space
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.
Jeff Antenore, Oc Register, 9 June 2026
Back then, this information was a literal document, something that could be tangibly stored in a safe space and kept away from any nefarious or ill-intentioned parties.
—William Jones, USA Today, 3 June 2026
As June marks the start of Pride Month celebrations, a South Jersey book shop transforms into a safe space for community and connection.
—Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 1 June 2026
News at the second annual ball for Translatable, a non-profit organization started by the 18-year-old and her dad, Dwyane Wade, to create a safe space for LGBTQIA+ youth, Zaya opened up about her first year at college.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for safe space
Cite this Entry
“Safe space.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safe%20space. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
