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.

Maybe his family table became your refuge in the year after your wife left you, and no amount of money could ever repay him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Despite using the Bay as a potential feeding refuge, many whales do not survive.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

"These systems can provide refuge for marine species, improve water quality and help rebuild biodiversity in some of our most impacted coastal areas."

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Leaving the refuge, the vibrant color palette and moisture give way to muted browns and the returning austerity of desert air.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

I think that through the cloudiness of his insanity he saw some antagonism in me, for he at once fell back on the last refuge of such as he—a dogged silence.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

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