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

Two mountain refuges sit high on the plateau, giving hikers the option to spend the night surrounded by Olympus' alpine scenery. — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

The bear had sought refuge in it, and as the houndsman and his friends pulled up in sight of it, the muffled squeals of the dogs, which had instantly followed the bear in, told the men that the pack was getting smaller every minute. — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 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