Synonyms of refugee

refugee

noun

ˌre-fyu̇-ˈjē 

as in exile

a person forced to emigrate for political reasons

refugees began returning to their homeland after years of political unrest and war

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exile
• fugitive
• alien
• émigré
• expatriate
• patriot
• evacuee
• deportee
• expat
• outcast
• pariah
• loyalist
• castoff

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of refugee

The project, which would also include community spaces and a village market tailored to support immigrants and refugees, was granted $5 million in May by the county to support its development. — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2026

Throughout the exhibition, the focus remains on the people who experienced the era firsthand — Union and Confederate soldiers, refugees displaced by war, and men and women who lived through both enslavement and freedom. — Brian Unger, CBS News, 12 July 2026

To be able to feel and touch the community of Cologne, and this person who suffered that ordeal and overcame it — and then managed to carry out the courage of her convictions with Ukrainian refugees. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2026

Those with humanitarian statuses such as refugees and people granted asylum are no longer eligible, with the state department of social services estimating that 72,000 Californians will lose their benefits. — Lizzie Kane july 11, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026