1
as in port
a part of a body of water protected and deep enough to be a place of safety for ships
the tanker stayed in Boston harbor three days to undergo repairs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in refuge
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
seeking a harbor from the drenching rain, we unfortunately chose a bank where a robbery was taking place
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to have
to keep in one's mind or heart
he had long harbored a grudge against his old employer, who had high-handedly fired him without cause
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to house
to provide with living quarters or shelter
the woods in our suburb harbor deer, foxes, raccoons, and skunks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of harbor
Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2026
The Secret Agent’s primary setting is a house full of misfits and refugees in the northeastern city of Recife, a safe harbor from those persecuted by the country’s military regime, ruled over by the inimitable Dona Sebastiana (Tânia Maria, whose role was written specifically for her).
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2026
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026
Pakistan has frequently accused Afghanistan, where the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, of harboring militants, including members of the Pakistani Taliban.
—Munir Ahmed, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harbor
Noun
The Jones Falls proved a barrier to the east, while the harbor prevented spreading to the south.
—Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2026
The Secret Agent’s primary setting is a house full of misfits and refugees in the northeastern city of Recife, a safe harbor from those persecuted by the country’s military regime, ruled over by the inimitable Dona Sebastiana (Tânia Maria, whose role was written specifically for her).
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
Old pots can sometimes harbor harmful nematodes or bacteria that may interfere with the health and growth of your African violets.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026
Pakistan has frequently accused Afghanistan, where the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, of harboring militants, including members of the Pakistani Taliban.
—Munir Ahmed, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for harbor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harbor
Noun
-
To reach Anse Source d’Argent, venture about two miles south of the ferry port on La Digue.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
-
According to Hillwood, AllianceTexas serves as the primary inland port for the southwestern United States.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Generations of Coloradans will see their stories here and imagine the days when legendary Black actors and authors sought refuge in Lincoln Hills.—
Anna Alejo,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The city is also expanding its efforts to open up new places in which people can take refuge, according to Mamdani.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Known for combining high fashion with streetwear, Bad Bunny has a reputation for adventurous and subversive style.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Judges in counties with the program have a list of OFR attorneys who can be contacted and paid through legislative appropriations, rather than through court funds.—
Raynee Howell,
Oklahoma Watch,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Look for containers to house baking supplies, grab-and-go snacks, breakfast items, seasoning mixes, and hard-to-organize spice packets.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Feb. 2026
-
That’s a massive problem, because a detention center that’s open 24 hours a day and houses enough humans to populate a small city will put a far greater strain on public resources than any warehouse could.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Fly Little Bird follows the story of an American singer struggling with addiction who escapes her family’s West Bank settlement, eventually finding refuge in a Palestinian news agency, implicating those who shelter her.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
On Tuesday, these demonstrations escalated as participants blocked harbor pilot operations at the port, forcing a suspension of ship movements between the jetties and the port’s outer anchorage.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The French navy is escorting the ship to anchorage for more checks, the statement said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In terms of affordability and reliability, consider IKEA your sanctuary.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Parents and community members spoke about the trauma caused if armed and masked immigration agents enter schools — an environment that should be a sanctuary for learning, not a stage for political terror.—
Randy Linville,
Baltimore Sun,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The visit by Ali Larijani, a former Iranian parliament speaker who now serves as the secretary to the country's Supreme National Security Council, likely focused on what comes next after the initial round of indirect talks held last week in Muscat with the Americans.—
JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The Financial Times, citing Ukrainian and European officials involved in the planning, reported on Wednesday that both a presidential vote, in which Zelenskyy would seek re-election, and a nationwide referendum could be held by May 15.—
Ashley Carnahan,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Harbor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harbor. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
