SHELTER Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

shelter 1 of 2

noun

ˈshel-tər

Definition of shelter

as in refuge

something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger the sudden fierce storm forced us to run to the nearest shelter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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shelter

2 of 2

verb

as in to protect

to be or provide a shelter for the abandoned barn shelters a colony of stray cats

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

expose

as in to house

to provide with living quarters or shelter sheltered the troops in tents until permanent barracks could be built

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

eject
evict

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 shelter

Noun

The attacks and the air raid alerts that accompany them have severely disrupted life in the city, forcing millions to constantly seek shelter and paralyzing the capital’s businesses and transport networks. — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026 If able to scale, this technique could be used to build shelters and other structures for future long-term human missions to the planet. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

Verb

Jalisco has suspended classes, evacuated residents and urged Puerto Vallarta’s businesses to shelter workers and visitors. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026 The Virgin acts as both midwife and priest, sheltering the pregnant pilgrim from the storm and washing away her sins so that she, too, can be delivered. — Ellen O’Connell Whittet, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shelter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shelter

Noun

For decades, film festivals cast themselves as cinema’s refuge from Hollywood’s worst commercial instincts.

— Joseph Kahn, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
In real life, his swanky Swiss refuge is actually located in Gressoney-Saint-Jean, an alpine village in Italy’s Aosta Valley.

— Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of refuge

Verb

In yet another battle between the states and social media platforms, Florida asked a state judge to order changes on Instagram and Facebook in an effort to protect young users.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
Their bid to change their lives turns into a dangerous chase, and the friendship becomes the one thing protecting them.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of protect

Verb

The store houses Smythson’s full selection, and also features a dedicated bespoke stationery salon, the only one outside of London, where customers can book a one-on-one appointment with a stationery specialist.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
The gallery’s New York flagship has been located on the Upper East Side since 2014, in a set of historic buildings comprising some 17,500 square feet that formerly housed the National Academy Museum.

— News Desk, Artforum, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of house

Noun

Set the scene On a paradisiacal slice of sand on the Thai island of Koh Samui is Kamalaya – a wellbeing sanctuary that promises to help guests ‘live life’s potential’.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Greenberg went on to convert the six-bedroom, eight-bath property into a deeply personal sanctuary.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of sanctuary

Verb

GoldenSky attendees will have the chance to camp for the first time, similar to Aftershock’s inaugural RV, car and tent camping options this year.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Many people camp there and then explore attractions like Mesa Verde National Park (about an hour’s drive) or the San Juan Skyway.

— Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of camp

Noun

Four-day yoga retreats on the riverbank, nature walks, and helicopter flights over Victoria Falls are just some of the activities on offer.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
Designed as a hybrid production hub and creative retreat, the multiphase project pairs soundstages and production offices with housing and wellness spaces.

— Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of retreat

Verb

Karen is newly sober, newly released, and seemingly determined to approach this chapter of her life with an earnestness that the rest of the cast may not be emotionally equipped to accommodate.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
Open Doors plans to accommodate 80 clients at the shelter with staff on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of accommodate

Verb

The Rest and Relax Inn in Pensacola, Florida, was surrounded by piles of debris after it was stripped of roofing materials during a heavy hit from the hurricane last night.

— Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
Special foils, triple silver-coated glass, and roof airflow prevent heat buildup inside the car.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of roof

Browse Nearby Words

shells out

shelter

sheltered

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Shelter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shelter. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shelter

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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