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
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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
-
Wildlife refuges and other nature areas protect 40% of Block Island, and residents are renowned for their fierce opposition to anything that might imperil their pristine Atlantic home.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
-
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
Noun
-
Smaller thrift stores may re-donate unsold goods to shelters or other organizations, and items that still can't be reused are taken to specialized recycling centers in an effort to keep as much as possible out of landfills.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
13 May 2026
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Animal advocates said Mityana, a trading center in the country, is infamous for its sham dog rescue shelters.—
Christopher Edwards,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
Noun
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No-phone retreats — getaways where resorts lock up, limit or ban personal devices — are emerging as one of 2026’s fastest-growing wellness travel categories, and the demand is reshaping what luxury hospitality looks like from Bali to the Bahamas.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
16 May 2026
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Most guests adjust to no-phone retreats within 48 hours, according to Cool Places founder Martin Dunford, though the first 24 hours can feel jarring as travelers detach from constant notifications and screens.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2026
Noun
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Like rhinos, there are several rhino sanctuaries in the region, as well as the community focused wildlife conservancies and sustainable luxury lodges that are putting this part of East Africa on the travel map.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
15 May 2026
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As the play reminds us, finding sanctuaries of many kinds in these times can be very difficult to achieve.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
13 May 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 19 May. 2026.
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