Synonyms of asylum

asylum

noun

ə-ˈsī-ləm 

as in refuge

something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger

the embassy serves as an asylum for that country's nationals in need of help

Synonyms & Similar Words

• refuge
• shelter
• sanctuary
• retreat
• residence
• haven
• sanctum
• harbor
• lodging
• oasis
• bolt-hole
• housing
• abode
• port
• hideout
• harborage
• dwelling
• anchorage
• house
• domicile
• rest
• quarters
• fortress
• mooring
• cloister
• roof
• habitation
• screen
• castle
• stronghold
• fort
• place
• lair
• closet
• den
• diggings
• cover
• shed
• hideaway
• hermitage
• palisade
• lodgment
• lee
• pad
• fastness
• redoubt
• windbreak
• covert
• lean-to

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of asylum

First part of her father's asylum application, she was issued a removal order in November 2025 and began the appeal process, not yet required to leave the country, Reynolds said. — Ruby Grisin, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Sep. 2026

Shyshov said his partner filed an asylum application before her student visa expired in March 2023. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026

The body of the Venezuelan dissident, who had sought political asylum in Chile, was found inside a suitcase buried beneath a cement slab in Santiago, the capital. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

The courts, which are part of the executive branch and thus controlled by the president, rule on matters such as asylum claims and other ways immigrants try to remain in the country. — Cameron Pugh, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026