refugees

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.

These include plans to deport refugees and asylum seekers or to house them in central accommodation.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

“My parents are Hungarian refugees from communism,” Hilton said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Restrictions on eligibility for asylees, refugees and victims of human trafficking under Section 10108 are expected to affect roughly 90,000 people per month — those already living at the margins of the margins.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

Iranians without electricity or water would soon need external supplies or become refugees to neighboring countries and beyond.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

I was glad to be a part of that film and book because of what they did to raise awareness about Sudanese refugees.

From "Lost Boy, Lost Girl" by John Bul Dau