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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Islands can also act as refuges for forms of life that have gone extinct elsewhere, respites for creatures that swim, raft and even walk to the landmasses.—
Riley Black,
Smithsonian Magazine,
25 June 2025
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Israel’s response has been nothing less than countering Iran’s existential threat to its survival as a refuge and a nation of the Jewish people.—
Dr. Robert G. Rabil,
Sun Sentinel,
23 June 2025
Noun
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Start a new tradition, give a shoutout, plan that retreat, or swap roles for a day.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
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Germany is Ukraine’s second-largest backer, and along with other European nations has been under increasing pressure to make up for the Trump administration’s retreat from supporting Ukraine’s military operation.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
13 June 2025
Noun
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If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2025
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Stocking your storm shelter with non-perishable food items and plenty of water is essential.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 June 2025
Noun
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The Eaton fire decimated her quaint home in the northwest corner of Altadena near Jane’s Village, reducing her sanctuary to a pile of rubble.—
Jack Flemming,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2025
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The desire to leave your personal sanctuary may be low today.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
21 June 2025
Noun
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The rift stretches for 100 miles and is 1,800 feet at its deepest, and right on the edge is Fish River Lodge, a haven for outdoor adventure.—
Chloe Berge,
Outside Online,
17 June 2025
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Gold prices also rallied, as the metal is considered a safe haven trade that investors flock to in times of market volatility.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
15 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bolt-hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolt-hole. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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