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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.

They were required to wait for final approval on their visa or refugee paperwork.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

There will also be a particular focus on Dhaka, the densely populated capital, and Cox's Bazar, home to crowded Rohingya refugee camps, Unicef said.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

A friend in Turkey offered to help him and his family, so Shahabi went there as a refugee.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

The third strike was on the Burj al-Shamali Palestinian refugee camp, southeast of the city.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

Or sometimes they just put you in refugee holding areas until they can sort you out.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri