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

Now workers are crushing concrete and twisted metal into roads, shelter floors, and spaces for community kitchens. — Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026 The Salvation Army provided more than food, clothing and shelter. — Sophia Leone, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Verb

The 21-year-old played nine games for the Rangers and didn’t look out of place, though Sullivan sheltered him in his minutes. — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 County officials said 84% of the homeless population counted during the survey was sheltered rather than living outdoors. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shelter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shelter

Noun

Fast-food staples like McDonald’s became a low-cost refuge where seniors lingered over morning coffee, students gathered after school and young kids frolicked in play areas.

— Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026
Drawn to a lakeside haven by a mysterious pregnant woman, a heartbroken drifter finds refuge with a group of eccentric misfits.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of refuge

Verb

Switzerland, which has long remained neutral in international military conflicts, also moved to adopt a security policy on Friday that would protect itself from a future Russian attack.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026
The lawsuit also sought to block roving patrols making stops and arrests based solely on race, language and occupation, and to protect access to counsel rights for people in detention.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of protect

Verb

Fort Taylor is a national historic monument and state park that houses the largest collection of Civil War armament in the world.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
The classroom houses Watson's dual language immersion program, one of two in the Little Rock School District, where students receive much of their instruction in Spanish and learn to speak, read and write in both Spanish and English.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of house

Verb

Dozens of outlets, ranging from CNN and ITV News to PMC’s very own Variety and Hollywood Reporter, were camped outside the NRG train station.

— Anna Tingley, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
Starting first thing Sunday morning, the Fight Club actor’s fans had been camping out by the entrance to the María Cristina Hotel, where the movie stars attending the San Sebastián Film Festival are staying since the showcase kicked off on Friday.

— Amaia Odriozola, Vanity Fair, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of camp

Noun

Rooms The 275 rooms here are a calm and cool retreat from Miami’s loud and frenetic downtown.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
War, sanctions and severe economic pressure may have pushed compulsory hijab wearing down the government’s list of priorities, but a temporary retreat in enforcement is not the same thing as recognition of a right.

— Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of retreat

Verb

The kitchen is roomy enough to accommodate large groups when entertaining.

— James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026
Scale is undoubtedly part of the challenge, as is ensuring the availability of the infrastructure needed to accommodate medium- and large-scale productions, strengthening technical training, and fostering talent across the industry.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of accommodate

Verb

But for category 1, 2 and 3 hurricanes, there are certainly some ways to stop preventable storm damage in its tracks, starting with tree trimming and roof flashing inspections.

— Alora Bopray, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
The Pekin Place on Jefferson Avenue had its sign almost entirely torn off and a nearby building exhibited substantial brick fascia torn off and roof damage.

— Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of roof

Browse Nearby Words

shells out

shelter

sheltered

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Shelter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shelter. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of shelter

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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