HARBOR Synonyms: 163 Similar and Opposite Words

harbor 1 of 2

noun

ˈhär-bər

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

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Relevance

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

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harbor

2 of 2

verb

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to house

to provide with living quarters or shelter the woods in our suburb harbor deer, foxes, raccoons, and skunks

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

eject
evict

as in to shelter

to be or provide a shelter for the little cabin is harbored from the wind by a thick growth of pines

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

expose

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

Noun

Your answer regarding the Form 2220 safe harbor is correct and would apply if the taxpayer’s income were retirement fund distributions. —

Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2026 On the ground floor of Hotel de Toiras, with expansive windows overlooking the harbor, Le George’s has a relaxed air that belies the seriousness of its cuisine. —

Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026

Verb

By harboring terrorists and letting its facilities serve as Hamas headquarters, UNRWA has become an arm of Hamas. —

Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026 The Bayfield Inn At The Bayfield Inn, guests get a front-row seat to harbor activity and ferry traffic. —

Katherine Lawless, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for harbor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for harbor

Noun

Situated in a bustling port city with strong transpacific trade networks, Chinese cooks had access to familiar ingredients and prepared comforting dishes for their own communities.

— Ashley Rose Young, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 June 2026
The 10th edition is the first 10-year-old release (and the oldest to date), made from a mash bill of several different types of barley and matured in wine, port, sherry, and ex-bourbon casks, along with the Garry oak.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 18 June 2026