safeties

plural of safety
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

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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 Minkah Fitzpatrick, the leader of the unit, is ranked 29th among 77 safeties but has missed three tackles, including a costly one on Sunday. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025 The way to make a defense pay for playing two safeties deep is to run the ball effectively. Mike Defabo, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 The Horned Frogs’ secondary was also flagged three times for pass interference as the corners and safeties struggled to win their individual battles. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2025 The Patriots can’t afford any coverage breakdowns from safeties Craig Woodson and Jaylinn Hawkins against Hill and Waddle. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025 Right now, the linebackers and safeties available in free agency are replacement level. Mike Kaye september 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025 Blackmon missing the remainder of the season would be tough to deal with, and the Saints might have to see if there are some trades or available veteran safeties on the free agency market. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 Whomever the safeties were guarding. Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for safeties
Noun
  • His father, a former military officer, was imprisoned following the Iranian revolution until his mother was able to negotiate his release with prison guards, according to reporting by the New York Times.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Lily Mathé, one of the orchestra’s best violinists, vividly remembered being made to play jolly tunes in the SS officers’ mess at Auschwitz every evening while the guards ate their dinner.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But within the romantic tropes, Sheeran expresses feelings beyond falling in love with someone’s eyes and smile, instead embracing flaws (clothes strewn about the house) and habits (checking the door locks before bedtime).
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This small step locks in extra hydration and has made a huge difference in my routine.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Safeties.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/safeties. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

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