Definitions

refugee

[ref-yoo-jee, ref-yoo-jee] / ˌrɛf yʊˈdʒi, ˈrɛf yʊˌdʒi /

NOUN

person running from something, often oppression

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alien displaced person emigrant evacuee exile expatriate foreigner

STRONG

DP castaway defector derelict deserter escapee foundling fugitive leper maroon outcast outlaw prodigal renegade runaway

WEAK

boat person expellee homeless person stateless person émigré

Antonyms

STRONGEST

citizen national native

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, said it was "deeply saddened by the death of two Sudanese women."

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

Unaccompanied children are first held by Homeland Security before being turned over to the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which is within the Department of Health and Human Services, for long-term housing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Joanna Rubinstein of the United Nations’ Refugee Agency resigned from her post on Monday.

From Salon • Feb. 4, 2026

Although Chagossians have differing views on the deal, one elderly woman at the headquarters of the Chagos Refugee Group headquarters in Mauritius, celebrated it.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

“There are so many people looking for her, even your old schoolmate we ran into at the United Nations Refugee Agency’s office,” added Habib.

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai

Vocabulary lists containing refugee

President Obama's Farewell Address

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A Long Way Gone

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Albert Einstein

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