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

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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
Stay alert, keep an eye on the forecast and be ready to take shelter if a warning is issued. — Jen Guadarrama, IndyStar, 13 Aug. 2026 Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until these storms pass. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
Shanghai’s Yangshan port cleared ​ships from its berths and moved more than 500 small ‌and medium-sized vessels to shelter ahead of Dolphin, the city’s ​maritime safety administration said. — Reuters, NBC news, 9 Aug. 2026 When planting future boxwoods, Powers recommends choosing a location sheltered from harsh winter winds and hot afternoon sun. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 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
  • The Prince and Princess of Wales have repeatedly sought refuge in the Caribbean, on a small island called Mustique.
    — Eliza Prosperini, Vanity Fair, 7 Aug. 2026
  • In neighboring Croatia, tourists in Dubrovnik sought refuge in shade and avoided beaches during the hottest hours of the day as temperatures soared along the Adriatic coast.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of refuge
Verb
  • Now, the state attorney general says the city must pay a fine or face a lawsuit for violating a state law protecting Confederate monuments and other longstanding memorials.
    — Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Your 6th House of Work and Wellness hosts compassionate Venus, opposing spiritual Neptune in your 12th House of Solitude, so routines need boundaries that protect rest.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of protect
Verb
  • Grafton Correctional Institution houses just over 2,000 inmates for minimum and medium security levels and has been in operation since 1988, according to the facility.
    — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The nonprofit operating the home, Inside Circle, purchased the property and plans to house people transitioning back into the community after serving time in prison.
    — Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of house
Noun
  • The property also includes Dion, the ancient Macedonian sanctuary at the mountain's base.
    — Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Tamima Itani, leader of Chicago Piping Plovers, said the Chicago Park District has been an excellent partner in providing sanctuary for the birds.
    — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of sanctuary
Verb
  • In Tinley Park, the Credit Union 1 Amphitheater was damaged in the storms, with debris left all over the field where concertgoers camp out, and damage to the roof of the concert pavilion.
    — Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Tourists took charters and camped out to see the territory of Jackie and Shadow.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of camp
Noun
  • Perched on a hilltop between Panzano and Greve in Chianti, this is the perfect Tuscan retreat.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Upstairs, the primary suite is positioned as a retreat within the larger estate, with peaceful views and a spa-like bath.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of retreat
Verb
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has attempted to accommodate the protesters by offering Fedorov an alternative position in the government, Dickinson says.
    — Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • This pantry, in addition to offering generous space for kitchen supplies, is ready to accommodate a first-floor laundry.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of accommodate
Verb
  • The property was designed to reflect California’s Spanish mission heritage, complete with a copper roofed bell tower modeled after Mission Santa Barbara, according to PBS SoCal.
    — Dana Sauchelli, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026
  • In a photo of West Pine Cliff Court, burned homes surround one still standing, as a firefighter sprays down the walls and roof facing the engulfed house next door.
    — Amanda Jackson, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 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 14 Aug. 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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