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
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Recent Examples of bolt-hole
The Broadwick Soho’s Flute James MacDonald Broadwick Soho For 57-room bolt-hole Broadwick Soho, owner Noel Hayden was inspired by his 1980s upbringing in a quirky hotel in Dorset.
—
Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2024
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
Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2024
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
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Best Hotels & Resorts Pousada do Vale Just a short walk from Noronha’s historic center, Pousada do Vale is a lush, garden-like refuge with a lovely spa.—
Carla Vianna,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
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The 1961 film marked Buñuel’s return to filmmaking in Spain, which was then well into Francisco Franco’s reign as dictator, after more than two decades of taking refuge in the United States and directing features in Mexico.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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For waterfront views, indulgent dining, and slow afternoons at the spa, The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina is an excellent retreat.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
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Her work has been featured in retreats, leadership circles, and coaching programs, where she is celebrated for her emotional depth and ability to catalyze radical transformation.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
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If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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At its peak in the early 2000s, the sanctuary was home to 33 large cats, including lions, tigers, leopards and cheetahs, RNZ reported.—
Staff Author,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
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Vallance said the company had spent millions of dollars on the sanctuary with no return.—
Jay Ganglani,
NBC news,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is our chance to recognize and support them — and to commit to building shelters that are truly safe havens for pets and people alike.—
Scott Giacoppo,
Boston Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
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Recent investigations like OpenLux and the 2017 series Panama Papers, however, reveal how bad actors also sometimes use these havens to launder illicit cash and evade taxes.—
Deena Sabry,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bolt-hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolt-hole. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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