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
Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024
But shutting off the local media is hardly a fail-safe way to ward off scrutiny or protect one’s reputation.
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 22 Nov. 2024
Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2023
Shop Now 10 Navy Blue In areas with strict historic guidelines, navy blue is often a fail-safe.
—Elle Decor Editors, ELLE Decor, 17 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for fail-safe
Adjective
Click through our links down below to find a whole lot of giftable deals on fail-safe winter fashion that are available only through the weekend.
—Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024
But shutting off the local media is hardly a fail-safe way to ward off scrutiny or protect one’s reputation.
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
The idea was to make bank oversight both stricter and more fail-safe.
—Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2023
Shop Now 10 Navy Blue In areas with strict historic guidelines, navy blue is often a fail-safe.
—Elle Decor Editors, ELLE Decor, 17 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for fail-safe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fail-safe
Adjective
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When the Cubs have a lead, Counsell goes to a reliable late-game formula with relievers Julian Merryweather, Porter Hodge and Ryan Pressly.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
17 Apr. 2025
-
This issue was placed on display when Tanner Houck, one of the team's more reliable pitchers, brutally struggled in his last start.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Being aware of common web and phone scams and taking reasonable precautions can also go a long way toward protecting your info.—
Ryley Amond,
CNBC,
18 Apr. 2025
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Although, in situations where seeing separate providers isn’t possible (on a college campus, say, or in a community with few resources), rest assured a solid one will still take precautions to keep things as confidential as possible.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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There’s no shortcut or surefire way to become the perfect candidate for the Forbes Under 30 list.—
Alexandra York,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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Habit: Waking Everyone Up With the Overhead Light Flipping on the bright cabin light mid-flight is a surefire way to test your seatmate's patience.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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Advanced Navigation View 2 Images Even though most of today's aircraft rely heavily on GPS for navigation, the technology is far from infallible.—
Ben Coxworth,
New Atlas,
4 Dec. 2024
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Authentic leadership fosters trust and connection, yet many leaders feel compelled to hide behind an infallible persona.—
Imamu "Mu" Tomlinson,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fail-safe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fail-safe. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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