Synonyms of refuge

refuge 1 of 2

noun

ˈre-(ˌ)fyüj 

as in shelter

something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger

hunting is strictly forbidden in the wildlife refuge

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shelter
• sanctuary
• retreat
• haven
• asylum
• residence
• oasis
• harbor
• lodging
• abode
• sanctum
• bolt-hole
• hideout
• harborage
• housing
• dwelling
• fortress
• rest
• stronghold
• anchorage
• port
• house
• place
• quarters
• habitation
• domicile
• mooring
• cloister
• roof
• fort
• den
• screen
• castle
• hideaway
• shed
• lair
• cover
• closet
• pad
• diggings
• palisade
• hermitage
• windbreak
• lodgment
• lee
• redoubt
• fastness
• covert
• lean-to

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

• shelter
• protect
• house
• harbor
• secure
• defend
• safeguard
• shield
• ward
• quarter
• place
• shade
• cover
• domicile
• screen
• shadow

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expose

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of refuge

Noun

Needless to say, most of the empty seats on Wednesday were in the parts of the park without any refuge from the sun. — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2026

Step Back Kenya has long been a refuge for people fleeing conflicts in neighboring countries, from Somalia and Sudan in the early 1990s to South Sudan, Burundi and the DR Congo. — Vivianne Wandera, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Verb

Migratory birds will also be attracted to the hedges and trees, which will give them refuge on their journeys. — Karen Lubeck, Town & Country, 8 Nov. 2022

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