as in refuges
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-holes
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
Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolt-holes
Noun
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The park preserves not only the trees, but also one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Cemeteries, in particular, may serve as critical refuges for pollinators at a time when many natural habitats are disappearing.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Few county shelters have kennels, and people sleeping outside are often hesitant to abandon their pets just to sleep in a bed for a few nights.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
6 May 2026
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All cats are up for adoption and come from local shelters.—
Ella Gonzales
May 5,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 May 2026
Noun
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Six-figure salaries were still common for officers and their relatives, as were fine dining, stays in posh hotels and expensive hunting retreats.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
2 May 2026
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Stem is among the early waves of people participating in legal retreats in the United States built around the drug.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Noun
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Art beckons at Rothko Chapel and The Menil Collection, quiet sanctuaries where light, color, and contemplation merge.—
Carrie Honaker,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
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Initiatives decades ago saw all surviving birds of some species moved onto offshore, predator-free islands or into sanctuaries where they could be carefully monitored and protected, but where few New Zealanders would ever see one.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Independent bookstores are magical havens for the next generation of readers—fostering a community that goes beyond the pages.—
Kat Chen,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
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Some are surf havens with stellar waves, while others cater to families with calm waters and things to do right on the sand.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bolt-holes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolt-holes. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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