safety net

noun

: something that provides security against misfortune or difficulty

Examples of safety net in a Sentence

The program provides a safety net for people who have lost their jobs.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In California, some fire victims are trying to recover without a safety net: In recent years, insurance companies have dropped millions of policies in the state. Alicia Wallace, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025 The protest and march, which goes from Washington's Malcom X Park to Black Lives Matter plaza near the White House is a protest against Trump, but also against both major political party's embrace of billionaires wants over social safety net programs and the climate, Smolarek said. Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025 State Medicaid funding could be on the chopping block this year, forcing politically difficult decisions about a safety net program that serves nearly 73 million Americans. Maya Goldman, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025 But the theme of the proposals is unmistakable — safety net programs and several Biden initiatives are on the chopping block. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for safety net 

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of safety net was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near safety net

Cite this Entry

“Safety net.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safety%20net. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!