Definitions

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 Women’s Leadership Summit was their safe space, a refuge from campuses or workplaces they described as hostile as ever to their conservative beliefs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

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

They went accordingly to Delphi, the Greeks’ refuge in time of trouble, to ask the god if they could hope for a child.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Vocabulary lists containing refuge

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