Newly available A strong default whenever user or runtime text needs to become part of a regex pattern safely.

RegExp.escape()

The RegExp.escape() static method escapes any potential regex syntax characters in a string, and returns a new string that can be safely used as a literal pattern for the RegExp() constructor.

When dynamically creating a RegExp with user-provided content, consider using this function to sanitize the input (unless the input is actually intended to contain regex syntax). In addition, don't try to re-implement its functionality by, for example, using String.prototype.replaceAll() to insert a \ before all syntax characters. RegExp.escape() is designed to use escape sequences that work in many more edge cases/contexts than hand-crafted code is likely to achieve.

RegExpEscapingSafety

Browser support

Feature Desktop Mobile
Chrome
Edge
Firefox
Safari
Chrome Android
Safari iOS
javascript.builtins.RegExp.escape
136
136
134
18.2
136
18.2
1+Supported (version) Not supported ※Has note Sub-feature descriptions sourced from MDN Web Docs (CC BY-SA 2.5)

Syntax

JAVASCRIPT 
const userInput = 'price: $10.00 (USD)';
const escaped = RegExp.escape(userInput);
// 'price\\: \\$10\\.00 \\(USD\\)'

const regex = new RegExp(escaped);
regex.test('price: $10.00 (USD)'); // true

Live demo

yu-za-input. safeall search

Inputsymbol positivecharacter and, searchresult hilight..

PreviewFullscreen

escape-presult. confirm

RegExp.escape that. like escape-p row or inspect it..

PreviewFullscreen

riteralmatch. valid-tion

symbol includestring that,. middle to. include or check..

PreviewFullscreen

Use cases

  • Safe dynamic search

    Escape user input before building a regex so characters like . or * are treated literally.

  • Pattern-building utilities

    Combine trusted regex structure with escaped variable text for configurable search tools.

Cautions

  • Escaping makes text literal; do not use it when you intentionally want users to supply raw regex syntax.
  • It helps with pattern construction, but you still need broader performance and validation safeguards for complex searches.

Accessibility

  • Safer pattern construction reduces validation bugs that can lead to confusing error states for users.

Related links