Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

shelter

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of shelter

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 of shelter

asylum, bolt-hole [chiefly British], harbor, harborage, haven, refuge, retreat, sanctuary, sanctum
Words Related to shelter

oasis

anchorage, mooring, port

cover, screen

abode, diggings, domicile, dwelling, habitation, house, housing, lodging, lodgment (or lodgement), pad, place, quarters, residence, rest, roof

cloister, closet, covert, den, hermitage, hideaway, hideout, lair

castle, fastness, fort, fortress, palisade, redoubt, stronghold

lean-to, lee, shed, windbreak

shelter

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of shelter

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

harbor, refuge
Words Related to shelter

cover, defend, protect, safeguard, screen, secure, shield, ward

domicile, house, place, quarter

shade, shadow
Near Antonyms of shelter

expose
2 to provide with living quarters or shelter
  • sheltered the troops in tents until permanent barracks could be built
Synonyms of shelter

accommodate, bestow, billet, bivouac, board, bunk, camp, chamber, domicile, encamp, harbor, house, lodge, put up, quarter, roof, room, take in
Words Related to shelter

ensconce, home, roost, secure, shed, stable, tent

barrack

bed (down)
Near Antonyms of shelter

eject, evict

Learn More about shelter

  1. See words that rhyme with shelter Dictionary: Definition of shelter Spanish Central: Translation of shelter Nglish: Translation of shelter for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of shelter for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shelter

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up shelter? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

fiduciary

Listen to the pronounciation of fiduciary

involving a confidence or trust

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. egregious Text messages reveal that Boeing was aware of problems

  2. emolument Trump announces G-7 location

  3. kangaroo court Trump blocks ambassador from testimony

SEE ALL
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games