refuge 1 of 2

noun

ˈre-(ˌ)fyüj How to pronounce refuge (audio)
Definition of refugenext
as in shelter
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger hunting is strictly forbidden in the wildlife refuge

Synonyms & Similar Words

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refuge

2 of 2

verb

as in to shelter
to be or provide a shelter for a nation with a long, honorable history of refuging political asylum seekers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of refuge
Noun
Here, in the heart of an expansive park filled with birds and monkeys, is a refuge from the frenzy of this teeming metropolis. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 In recent years, Cambodian opposition leaders say they have been surveilled and jailed in Thailand, once a refuge for asylum seekers. — Shibani Mahtani, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
Migratory birds will also be attracted to the hedges and trees, which will give them refuge on their journeys. — Karen Lubeck, Town & Country, 8 Nov. 2022 For one, an evacuation was not necessarily a path to refuge in the United States, as many expected. — Abigail Hauslohner, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2022 See All Example Sentences for refuge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refuge
  1. shelter
  2. protect
  3. sanctuary
  4. retreat
  5. haven
Noun
  • The attacks and the air raid alerts that accompany them have severely disrupted life in the city, forcing millions to constantly seek shelter and paralyzing the capital’s businesses and transport networks.
    — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026
  • If able to scale, this technique could be used to build shelters and other structures for future long-term human missions to the planet.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of shelter
Verb
  • But data, though personal and medical in nature, is not covered by HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which protects personal electronic health data in other contexts.
    — Sparkle Rainey Tribune News Service, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • These women pressured local judges and sheriffs, and would actively show up to courthouses, protecting potential lynching victims with thier own bodies.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of protect
Noun
  • Beginning with the arrival of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, America has been seen as a sanctuary for those fleeing religious persecution.
    — Matthew Schmitz, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But on that Sunday in 2024, Wagner spoke to a nearly empty church — about 12 elderly members, sitting far apart from one another in a sanctuary built for a thousand people.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of sanctuary
Noun
  • Other interior amenities include a 24-seat movie theater, and a primary retreat with dedicated massage and salon rooms, while the grounds boast multiple terraces and a large pool.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026
  • His party’s retreat comes after a series of embarrassing election showings in which the far-right AfD made huge inroads.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of retreat
Noun
  • Kidding, but no matter what the season, your house will always somehow become a haven for dust and debris.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Jia wants Pingyao to remain a haven for cinephiles rather than a hall of fame.
    — Jenny S. Li, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of haven

Browse Nearby Words

refrozen
refuge
refuged
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Refuge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refuge. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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