refuge 1 of 2

noun

ˈre-(ˌ)fyüj How to pronounce refuge (audio)
Definition of refugenext
as in shelter
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger hunting is strictly forbidden in the wildlife refuge

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refuge

2 of 2

verb

as in to shelter
to be or provide a shelter for a nation with a long, honorable history of refuging political asylum seekers

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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 refuge
Noun
For investors, that means the old crisis playbook may no longer be enough, and building resilience could require a broader mix of assets rather than betting on a single traditional refuge. — Lim Hui Jie,lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 July 2026 Thornden Park, where Sebold had been assaulted, was both a refuge and a menacing locale adjacent to the university. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026
Verb
For one, an evacuation was not necessarily a path to refuge in the United States, as many expected. — Abigail Hauslohner, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2022 My job was to examine sites for future waterfowl refuges in what is today the lower Mississippi Valley Flyway. — Nash Buckingham, Outdoor Life, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for refuge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refuge
  1. shelter
  2. protect
  3. sanctuary
  4. retreat
  5. haven
Noun
  • Place posters in the neighborhood, post on social media platforms such as Facebook and Nextdoor and check every nearby shelter for your pet.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Humanitarian workers say the emotional toll is becoming increasingly visible inside temporary shelters.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of shelter
Verb
  • The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
  • There aren’t enough ships to protect the reopening trade routes from pirates.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Definition of protect
Noun
  • Rhaena goes to the Vale and begs Lady Jeyne Arryn for sanctuary, but the noblewoman wants nothing to do with her.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • In the warm ivory sanctuary of her office in her ambassadorial Georgian town house in London, Madonna is on the latest turn of the roller coaster that is her thrilling, adventuresome, and fecund life.
    — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 5 July 2026
Definition of sanctuary
Noun
  • View gallery - 18 images US design firm Renée del Gaudio Architecture has completed a 2,100-sq-ft (195-sq-m) retreat in Allenspark, Colorado.
    — Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • The two-bed, two-bath main residence is indeed a retreat, with two separate studios for guests.
    — Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of retreat
Noun
  • All three qualities are on display in a weekend retreat the firm designed on Shelter Island, a bucolic haven wedged between Long Island’s North and South Forks, just up the road from The Hamptons.
    — Fred Albert, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Blending comfort with warmth, familiarity, and character, all rooted in a connection to nature, creates a nostalgic space that’s primed to be your summertime haven.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026
Definition of haven

Browse Nearby Words

refrozen
refuge
refuged
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Cite this Entry

“Refuge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refuge. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on refuge

Nglish: Translation of refuge for Spanish Speakers

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