refuge 1 of 2

Definition of refugenext

refuge

2 of 2

verb

as in to shelter
to be or provide a shelter for a nation with a long, honorable history of refuging political asylum seekers

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 refuge
Noun
Once a behemoth of culture and a refuge from politics, the center now endorses a narrow vision of art and espouses a MAGA agenda. Christine Ledbetter, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026 If unable to reach a secure shelter, either crouch down in your car, covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Jan. 2026
Verb
For one, an evacuation was not necessarily a path to refuge in the United States, as many expected. Abigail Hauslohner, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2022 Targeted sanctions against the Kremlin and other state actors must be accompanied by support for those displaced by war, and the right to refuge must not be conditioned on one’s profession or degree of education. WIRED, 26 Aug. 2022 See All Example Sentences for refuge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refuge
Noun
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
  • If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Leaving stems and leaves intact through winter provides extra insulation to plant roots and crowns and protects plants from cold damage.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Remember, the park was originally protected because of its biodiversity, which is its biggest draw.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This is a sanctuary, a place of calm.
    Elazar Sontag, Washington Post, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Wellness-Centric Bathrooms Design trends over the last few years have positioned the bathroom as a personal retreat and sanctuary.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Wellness-Centric Bathrooms Design trends over the last few years have positioned the bathroom as a personal retreat and sanctuary.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The Nordic – Charlestown, Rhode Island What began as a family-run vacation retreat in the 1960s has evolved into one of America’s most talked-about luxury buffets.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is our chance to recognize and support them — and to commit to building shelters that are truly safe havens for pets and people alike.
    Scott Giacoppo, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Recent investigations like OpenLux and the 2017 series Panama Papers, however, reveal how bad actors also sometimes use these havens to launder illicit cash and evade taxes.
    Deena Sabry, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Refuge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refuge. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on refuge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!