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The word "safer" can refer to several different meanings such as well-being, which would usually be placed as an adjective. It is similarly associated with being cautious, trustworthy, or reliable as the same part of speech.

As a noun "safe" can refer to the very same meanings. As a noun the word "safe" can have the same meaning if the sentence is structured differently. It is a physical thing where one can keep one's valuables.

My question is can the word "safer" be used as a noun in any context? I cannot think of any. Can anyone else?

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    Like many words, it may mean something in a limited context, but not generally. If there were two varieties of moving equipment, one extra-heavy duty for moving big things like safes, that might well end up as the "safe type", meaning "the type to use for safes". And for there to safer is not far at all -- equipment uses the -er suffix extensively, and is often named locally. The more specialized, the more localized, and usually the weirder as well.
    – John Lawler
    Commented Jan 25, 2015 at 18:52
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    Logically, were safer to be a word, it would most probably mean one who uses or makes safes. I don't think it is a word, though I haven't checked even one dictionary.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Commented Jan 25, 2015 at 19:06
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    ... Though I can't find nounal safer in any [free] online dictionary I've checked in , the noun apparently is used: 'MW Safers is a brand within Century that provides safers for both round magnet SLS single locking systems and DLS double locking systems.' It sounds like a part of a lock.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Commented Jan 25, 2015 at 19:29
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    This is a little bit of a cheat but, here's a sentence : "The SAFER must be absolutely reliable." where SAFER stands for "Simplified Aid for Extravehicular Rescue"
    – Jim
    Commented Jan 25, 2015 at 21:54
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    "While walking the streets of New York, Morley Safer was accosted by a mugger. Although he was hit over the head, Safer is reported to have suffered no serious injuries."
    – Hot Licks
    Commented Jan 25, 2015 at 21:56

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Apparently not. By and large, "safer" is an adjective in its comparative form:

  • "It is always safer to keep your money in the bank."
  • "Contrary to popular belief, it's generally safer to travel by air".

As John Lawler points out in his comment, however, in a specific context one might use the word as a noun.

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    This adds nothing to the comments already given. It's also unsupported.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Commented Jan 25, 2015 at 19:51

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