refuge

[ref-yooj] / ˈrɛf yudʒ /

NOUN

place to hide, have privacy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

asylum fortress haven hideaway hideout hiding place protection resort retreat sanctuary security shelter stronghold

STRONG

ambush anchorage cover covert den escape exit expedient harbor harborage hole home immunity makeshift opening outlet port preserve recourse resource shield stopgap

WEAK

ivory tower safe place way-out

Antonyms

STRONG

closure entrance permanent solid

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.

The IOM said armed attacks were no longer confined to regular hotspots and were now increasingly affecting areas that had previously served as places of refuge, leaving vulnerable people with few safe options.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

In addition to joining local fire safety advisory boards, Cantey reached out to a mining company she consults for, which specialises in underground refuge chambers.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

The department did not immediately respond to a request Sunday for comment about where the eagles took up refuge.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

“I had to seek refuge, travel by ambulance across borders.”

From Salon • May 27, 2026

Others had taken refuge there before, and the Nazis had never found it.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

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