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

The standout episode—the conversion history of Kendra, a Black striver married to the Schwoopers’ daughter, Shira—sticks its landing, enabling the viewer to see faith as a refuge, not a cage. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026

Deputies reached the woman, who had sought refuge inside a Good Samaritan’s nearby apartment. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 9 July 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