dens

Definition of densnext
plural of den
1
as in lairs
the shelter or resting place of a wild animal the foxes hid in their den until the bear finally left the area

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in hideouts
a place where a person goes to hide or to avoid others an abandoned building that is often used as a den by the city's petty criminals

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dens Unlike many hibernators, which usually retreat to insulated dens, these squirrels remain exposed to subzero soil temperatures. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 Animals are very protective of their dens. Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026 The species is typically found in high elevation, mountainous areas and often gives birth to litters of kits in dens dug in snow. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026 Wood and wood veneer wall coverings make great feature walls or add coziness to dens or libraries. Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2026 Although the marble bathrooms are themselves little dens of luxury, the proprietary Four Seasons Bed is the star, complete with temperature-regulation technology and pillow menu. Juliana Shallcross, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Dec. 2025 The actor plays a depressed and traumatized FBI agent leading a task force investigating a series of home invasions targeting drug dens in the area. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025 Homeowners tend to experience the brunt of the headaches because raccoons often use attics and areas underneath porches for their dens. Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 2 Dec. 2025 Gray foxes may use wood piles, hollow trees, or brush piles as dens, says Pierce. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dens
Noun
  • These involve raiding the lairs of hoodlum rivals, then singlehandedly dissuading them from competition.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • From serene mountain hideouts to tiny communities with picture-perfect main streets, here are eight of Tennessee’s most romantic small towns for your next weekend away.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The attackers who raided Kasuwan-Daji arrived from the National Park Forest along Kabe district, according to the police, pointing to a usual trend where abandoned expansive forest reserves act as hideouts for armed gangs.
    CBS News, CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Locals used to take chicks from their nests and sell them as pets to Europeans or Americans.
    Brianna Randall, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Several nests of endangered tri-colored herons — considered a threatened species in Florida — were found on the island.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In the wild, hamsters dig burrows with deep tunnels and multiple entrances for protection and to sleep during bouts of torpor.
    Noel Kirkpatrick, Treehugger, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Although the temperature at which garden snakes begin to seek shelter varies by species, all snakes look for places such old animal burrows, compost piles, root holes in the soil, or under decks, rock walls, log piles, or decaying logs to spend the winter.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • DiDonato has appeared on catwalks for major fashion houses and has featured in publications such as Vogue, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar.
    Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Events across the region are taking place all day at schools, local businesses, houses of worship and burned down local landmarks in various stages of rebuilding.
    David Wilson, Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dens. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

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