shelter 1 of 2

noun

ˈshel-tər How to pronounce shelter (audio)
Definition of shelternext
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

1
as in to protect
to be or provide a shelter for the abandoned barn shelters a colony of stray cats

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to house
to provide with living quarters or shelter sheltered the troops in tents until permanent barracks could be built

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Hernandez was an unhoused woman who had been using the alley as shelter, per the SFPD. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026 Freedom did not immediately provide food, shelter, medical care, or functioning public health. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
Verb
The organization is also preparing to open up a family lodge that can temporarily shelter 45 families at a time on July 21. — Julianna Mejia july 16, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026 Russia conducted a similar test in 2021, creating dangerous debris and forcing astronauts aboard the ISS to shelter inside the capsule typically only used to travel to and from Earth. — David M. Klein, Washington Post, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shelter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shelter
  1. refuge
  2. protect
  3. house
  4. sanctuary
  5. camp
  6. retreat
  7. accommodate
  8. roof
Noun
  • Looking effortless on the beach is quite the art form–I, for one, often end up covered in a stubborn sunscreen and sand paste, hiding under a towel desperate for refuge from the sun.
    — Emma Spedding, Vogue, 17 July 2026
  • Writing Bobby was a refuge, a place to cast off the daily complications of experiencing the world in a woman’s body.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
Definition of refuge
Verb
  • Research shows that protecting the Okefenokee’s peat and other deposits is key to limiting global warming.
    — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
  • Although these ladies have access to the best of the best, even that doesn’t always protect patients from the worst-case scenario.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Definition of protect
Verb
  • Designed to be worn as a brooch, it is housed in black-and-bronze packaging featuring a metallic shield emblem, commemorative plaque and the replica pin.
    — Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • An arson charge was lodged Tuesday against a former Army soldier accused of going to a federal building in Manhattan that houses immigration court proceedings and setting a sidewalk fire, igniting fireworks and firing a pellet gun.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
Definition of house
Noun
  • The 39 days of the World Cup definitely had their moments of politics invading what was hoped to be a sporting sanctuary.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • The movement, which had roots in the medieval tradition of churches providing sanctuary for those fleeing persecution, was aimed at providing a safe haven for Central Americans running from political repression and violence in their home countries.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
Definition of sanctuary
Verb
  • More states are passing anti-camping laws Williams was one of two people arrested in the park on June 28 and charged under Tennessee's no-camping law — the only one in the country to make sleeping on public property a felony.
    — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 21 July 2026
  • Baby turtles take approximately 50 to 60 days to hatch, and when a nest is anticipated to emerge, Williford and her team camp out overnight to ensure the crawls are safe and successful.
    — Colleen McNally Arnett, Southern Living, 16 July 2026
Definition of camp
Noun
  • Since then Tuchel has faced criticism for England’s retreat in the second half, his defensive substitutions and his switch to a back five.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • On-site lodging includes 10 cabins and 60 campsites, offering a serene nature retreat.
    — Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
Definition of retreat
Verb
  • What’s standing between the Trail Blazers and a bunch of public money for a stadium deal is their willingness to accommodate this council.
    — Jason Quick, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Curtis said the chain is testing menu items like Whopper Bites and protein-forward bowls, partly to accommodate the shifting tastes of GLP-1 users.
    — Hallie Jackson, NBC news, 19 July 2026
Definition of accommodate
Verb
  • Some build nests underground in grassy areas or dense vegetation, while others look for openings in trees, wall voids, eaves, and roof overhangs, says Jim McHale, president of JP McHale Pest Management.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 19 July 2026
  • During the Thursday stop, Abbott called for a roof fortification grant program, comparing the plan to roof-safeguarding programs that have been established in other states.
    — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Definition of roof

Browse Nearby Words

shells out
shelter
sheltered
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Cite this Entry

“Shelter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shelter. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shelter

Nglish: Translation of shelter for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shelter

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