Definition of refugeenext
as in exile
a person forced to emigrate for political reasons refugees began returning to their homeland after years of political unrest and war

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 refugee The dire economic conditions resulted in one in four Venezuelans, nearly 8 million people, fleeing the country as refugees, creating a massive migration crisis across the Americas. — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 21 Oct. 2026 The case centers on the Cuban government shooting down two Brothers to the Rescue flights, a civilian rescue group dedicated to saving refugees fleeing the authoritarian Castro regime — then run by Raul Castro’s older brother Fidel. — Liv Caputo Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 Rights groups have condemned the deportations, saying returnees – particularly the Rohingya, a Muslim minority group that accounts for most of Malaysia’s refugees – will face violence, persecution, and forced conscription. — Lindsey McGinnis, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026 Trump has vastly expanded ICE to ramp up deportations of immigrants, refugees and asylum-seekers, and the agency was a major part of last year’s law-enforcement surge in the Chicago area known as Operation Midway Blitz. — Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refugee
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refugee
Noun
  • The selection embraces widely different approaches to filmmaking, from formally experimental work to more accessible independent productions, while exploring political upheaval, memory, exile and intimate family relationships.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Boris Berezovsky and Vladimir Gusinsky, whose television networks refused to bend the knee, were driven into exile within the year.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The fugitive is believed to be a high-ranking member of Milwaukee Kings street gang operating on Chicago's north side, according to the FBI.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Roberson is in custody and awaiting trial, but Matos remains a fugitive.
    — Tara Molina, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • He was arrested on Monday and charged with a misdemeanor offense of voting by an alien in a federal election.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • She is soon proved wrong when the suspect (an alien) self-detonates.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Thousands of Serb expatriates in the United States, Australia and New Zealand face the same problem.
    — Branimir Pipal, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The Gulf state has no federal personal income tax, and has become an increasingly popular luxe destination for wealthy expatriates.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Refugee.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refugee. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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