as in refuge
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
her cottage in the Lake District served as her bolt-hole whenever the stresses of London became too great
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of bolt-hole
But other bolt-holes stand out for giving the beds themselves extra attention, distinguishing them in some particularly charming or even surreal way (see beds carved out of literal ice).
—
Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
One of the first, exclusive members-only social clubs, Soho House debuted in London in 1995 and quickly became the bolt-hole of choice for celebrities and the deep-pocketed.
—Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
And for those familiar with the region, their bolt-hole of choice was no surprise: Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire.
—Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026
His magical renovation of Villa Mabrouka—the late Yves Saint Laurent's Tangier bolt-hole, with a Slim Aarons–worthy kidney-bean pool just outside the casbah—is as immaculately dressed down as an insouciant white linen shirt.
—Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2023
Around that time, some smaller properties also debuted — boutique charmers like Castello di Vicarello, Borgo Santo Pietro, Villa Fontelunga, and the Val d'Orcia bolt-hole La Bandita Country Hotel.
—Lee Marshall, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2023
Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
One of the first, exclusive members-only social clubs, Soho House debuted in London in 1995 and quickly became the bolt-hole of choice for celebrities and the deep-pocketed.
—Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
And for those familiar with the region, their bolt-hole of choice was no surprise: Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire.
—Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026
His magical renovation of Villa Mabrouka—the late Yves Saint Laurent's Tangier bolt-hole, with a Slim Aarons–worthy kidney-bean pool just outside the casbah—is as immaculately dressed down as an insouciant white linen shirt.
—Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2023
Around that time, some smaller properties also debuted — boutique charmers like Castello di Vicarello, Borgo Santo Pietro, Villa Fontelunga, and the Val d'Orcia bolt-hole La Bandita Country Hotel.
—Lee Marshall, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolt-hole
Noun
-
This artistic refuge showcases a variety of designs, colors, and textures with pollinator-friendly plants like wildflowers, grasses, a vegetable garden, and fruit trees.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
6 June 2026
-
From a distance, other systems appeared more humane, more rational — a refuge from our own frustrations.—
Nisha Narayanan,
STAT,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
Sharon is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an Honorary Member of the UK Association of Jungian Analysts, and has taught and lectured at many academic institutions, Jungian organisations, retreat centres and cultural festivals around the world.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
Its exact purpose remains debated — possibly a palatial retreat for the emperor Pachacuti, possibly an administrative and trading center supported by eight access routes.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2026
-
Roaches are attracted to food sources, moisture, and shelter.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
The spa serves as a sanctuary for adults looking to relax, and golfers can disappear for the day at the 18-hole course designed by the legendary Donald Ross.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
Each adventure helps construct a massive iron robot to confront the chaos outside their analog studio sanctuary, sizing up the fire like their hip-hop hero Lord Quas, and cheered on by their trusty collectible figurines.—
Tatiana Lee Rodriguez,
Pitchfork,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Gold is a safe-haven asset that investors gravitate toward when economic and political turmoil erupts, sending waves through the markets.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
-
The area is a haven for anglers, who can book a fishing charter or cast a line off the seasonally open Bogue Inlet Pier.—
Elizabeth Rhodes,
Travel + Leisure,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bolt-hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolt-hole. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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