Thesaurus results for SANCTUARY

sanctuary

noun

ˈsaŋ(k)-chə-ˌwer-ē

as in shrine

a place that is considered sacred (as within a religion) by law, anyone who sought refuge in a religious sanctuary was safe from arrest by the civil authorities

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as in refuge

something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger the marshland has been set aside as a sanctuary for shorebirds along that section of the coast

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of sanctuary The administration last year eliminated a policy against immigration enforcement in sanctuaries, which other religious leaders said should not occur at any time. —

Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026 Unlike a pig sanctuary or farm where abandoned or abused pigs live out their last days, the group is focused on rescuing, fostering and finding permanent families for pigs. —

Kansas City Star, 10 May 2026 The administration last year eliminated a policy against immigration enforcement in sanctuaries, which other religious leaders said should not occur at any time. —

ABC News, 9 May 2026 Holly Mazur is the founder and president of Lew Dog Gives, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting animal rescues, sanctuaries and shelters. —

Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sanctuary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuary

Noun

The hilltop structures were originally built as Catholic shrines dedicated to the virgins they're named after, but were turned into military fortresses in the early 1800s—they have since been rehabilitated for tourism.

— Christin Parcerisa Vigueras, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
Depending on the season (the camp opens from May through December, when temperatures are pleasant), days fill with picnics in the mountains, visits to Buddhist festivals, or merit-making ceremonies at nearby temples and shrines.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026