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
Women, sexual assault victims, people of color, transgender students. College campuses have created "safe spaces" for all sorts of marginalized groups.—Catherine Rampell

Examples of safe space in a Sentence

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.
Breanna Stewart, the New York Liberty star and all-time UConn women’s basketball great, has always seen the WNBA as an inclusive place that has served as a safe space for both its fans and the players. — Doug Feinberg, Hartford Courant, 22 Aug. 2026 While plotting her vengeance, Catherine finds a rare safe space in the home of Alden (Way), a disabled young man whose late mother hired her to be his home-healthcare aide. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026 The effect is of watching someone float around the outside of a safe space. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 As the chair of the Queer and Transgender API Strong Coalition, Lopez continues to be a safe space for others. — Sooji Nam, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for safe space

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of safe space was in 1970

Rhymes for safe space

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Browse Nearby Words

safe sex
safe space
safe third country agreement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Safe space.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safe%20space. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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