1
as in lair
the shelter or resting place of a wild animal the foxes hid in their den until the bear finally left the area

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2
as in hideout
a place where a person goes to hide or to avoid others an abandoned building that is often used as a den by the city's petty criminals

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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 den Three men have accepted plea deals in the 2022 attack of a gambling den patron who was allegedly stripped nude and beaten to a pulp inside the illicit casino. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 13 Dec. 2024 The basement level, which includes seven-foot ceilings, tile floors, and a half bath, could be used as a playroom or a media den, per the listing. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2025 Donnie has headed off to Brussels for a new scheme with a new den of thieves from the Balkans known as the Panthers, teaming with crafty Jovanna (Evin Ahmad) and her cohorts Dragon (Orli Shuka) and Slavko (Salvatore Esposito) on a new heist for a treasure trove of jewels. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025 Their bedroom is large enough for a king-size bed, an armoire, and a rounded table where Keenlyside is getting her own creative production and design studio called Casa Yaya off the ground, while the den has a sectional that can turn into a bed. Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for den 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for den
Noun
  • Unlike most of the relatively flat Dakota prairie, the Missouri breaks that make up much of Sutton Bay’s landscape create an assortment of coulees with cattail bottoms, perfect lairs to hide the shifty late-season pheasants.
    Chris Dorsey, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • There are no elaborate lairs where the spies do their business; characters just meet in restaurants or cars.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • While Portugal seems like a quiet oasis on the edge of the Atlantic, its glamorous casinos, hotels, and secret hideouts become the stage for a network of daring women spies, exchanging vital information that could turn the tide of the conflict.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The action hops from the streets of London to a monastery outside Ankara to Kraven’s Siberian taiga hideout, where Calypso puts her summer camp archery skills to good use with a crossbow.
    David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • While still a low-maintenance pick, this bird’s nest fern thrives when watered weekly and when situated near a sunny window due to its moderate light and water needs.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Both small mammals and other birds' nest predators were observed visiting open-cup nests for the eggs—while only flying squirrels visited the nest boxes.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Inside, the house is now completely empty of furniture.
    Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Her house, though not destroyed, was at the edge of the burn area, and isn’t livable.
    Kate Sequeira, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • And as surface temperatures rise, their cool underground burrows may become important refuges.
    Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Here's how to keep wild turkeys away from your yard Other Animals While you may be tempted to blame other animals such as opossums or snakes, or even coyotes for making holes or burrows in your yard, these creatures are more likely to use existing animal holes for their dens.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Den.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/den. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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