1
as in port
a part of a body of water protected and deep enough to be a place of safety for ships
the tanker stayed in Boston harbor three days to undergo repairs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in refuge
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
seeking a harbor from the drenching rain, we unfortunately chose a bank where a robbery was taking place
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to have
to keep in one's mind or heart
he had long harbored a grudge against his old employer, who had high-handedly fired him without cause
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to house
to provide with living quarters or shelter
the woods in our suburb harbor deer, foxes, raccoons, and skunks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 harbor
Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
The opening scenes of Milton Friedman’s popular TV series, Free to Choose, feature panoramic harbor views of Hong Kong, his favorite economy.
—Andy Browne, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026
Pakistan has frequently accused Afghanistan, where the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, of harboring militants, including members of the Pakistani Taliban.
—Munir Ahmed, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harbor
Noun
Evans in particularly harbors deep resentment and anger.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
The opening scenes of Milton Friedman’s popular TV series, Free to Choose, feature panoramic harbor views of Hong Kong, his favorite economy.
—Andy Browne, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
Old pots can sometimes harbor harmful nematodes or bacteria that may interfere with the health and growth of your African violets.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026
Pakistan has frequently accused Afghanistan, where the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, of harboring militants, including members of the Pakistani Taliban.
—Munir Ahmed, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harbor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harbor
Noun
-
To reach Anse Source d’Argent, venture about two miles south of the ferry port on La Digue.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
-
According to Hillwood, AllianceTexas serves as the primary inland port for the southwestern United States.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Since 1957, believers and non-believers alike have sought refuge at the 10-acre estate, with meandering woodland paths and rocky gardens nestled along a quiet, lake-like inlet of Long Island Sound.—
Hannah Towey,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Oc Register,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Bipartisan skepticism of corporate power comes and goes in America, but the latest wave has roots in the parallel streams flowing from the Great Financial Crisis, Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Kids will have a blast at the Seaport Museum next door, especially when exploring the mock-village section and tall-mast whaling ship.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The buildings that housed a prideful labor force are vandalized, colonized by squatters or boarded up.—
Mery Mogollón,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Travelers interested in architecture and urban design have to spend at least an afternoon—if not a full day—in the Dallas Arts District, which reportedly houses the most buildings designed by Pritzker award-winning architects anywhere in the world.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Fly Little Bird follows the story of an American singer struggling with addiction who escapes her family’s West Bank settlement, eventually finding refuge in a Palestinian news agency, implicating those who shelter her.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
On Tuesday, these demonstrations escalated as participants blocked harbor pilot operations at the port, forcing a suspension of ship movements between the jetties and the port’s outer anchorage.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The French navy is escorting the ship to anchorage for more checks, the statement said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The third-largest of the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda is known for its pristine beaches, nature sanctuaries, and The Baths National Park—a collection of pools and seawater grottos formed by huge granite boulders.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2026
-
This desire for a sanctuary, coupled with an easy-to-maintain garden, has inspired what the Monrovia Nursery is calling The Sunday Garden.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Gophers and Ducks were both ice cold in the first half, with the U holding an unsightly 22-13 lead.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
18 Feb. 2026
-
This brought Falmouth’s deficit to as low as four points, and Hanover held a narrow 43-37 the end of the quarter.—
Zach McMahon,
Boston Herald,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Harbor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harbor. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
