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

Another idea is to create a brush pile shelter in your yard to help native wildlife, including pollinators, according to LoRusso. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 Decker said people who are homeless can feel hesitation to come into shelter, but Open Doors has built a rapport in the neighborhood and would want to stay. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026

Verb

Their roots knit the coastline together, sheltering marine life and fish and absorbing carbon emissions. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 Advocates Against Family Violence in Canyon County is available at 208-459-4779 for anyone in need of help or shelter in an abusive relationship. — Idaho Statesman, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shelter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shelter

Noun

Since then, presidents, royalty, and movie stars have all sought refuge in the hallowed hotel.

— Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026
Previously, 2021’s Dune culminated in the brutal defeat of House Atreides by rival House Harkonnen, with Paul and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), fleeing to the desert and taking refuge among the Fremen.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of refuge

Verb

More missiles, many more options This would significantly expand the ship’s ability to protect an entire naval task group, rather than primarily concentrating on defending itself and nearby assets.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Russia imposed temporary export controls on helium in April to protect its domestic supply.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of protect

Verb

Don’t miss the 153-year-old Point Arena Lighthouse, where a climb up the 115-foot tower yields birds-eye views and the Signal Museum houses the original Fresnel lens.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
The historic building that houses the restaurant used to be an orphanage for young girls, and the dining space was once a classroom.

— Jessica Jungbauer, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of house

Verb

Raman says that she is committed to ending homelessness, but the city has gone about it the wrong way and that no-camping zones just push the problem from one neighborhood to another.

— Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
D’Amelio made her entrance early in the evening, posing with her cover before camping out in a cozy red booth next to the DJ stand.

— Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of camp

Noun

Sylge, who has spent the last 30 years attending and organizing health and wellness retreats around the world, developed this exercise to help people reclaim their time.

— Margaret Cirino, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026
Even if oil prices retreat, fares are unlikely to return to pre conflict levels.

— , CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of retreat

Verb

The Boise City Council on Tuesday passed a new law designed to limit food and shelter for the animals, marking the council’s first formal step to combat the spread of Norway and roof rats in the Treasure Valley.

— Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 21 Oct. 2026
The Rest and Relax Inn in Pensacola, Florida, was surrounded by piles of debris after it was stripped of roofing materials during a heavy hit from the hurricane last night.

— Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shelter

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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