1
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 sanctuary
Historical Roots and Cultural Exploration Paris has long been a sanctuary for Black artists, writers and intellectuals.
—
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 June 2025
Her new novel, Spent, tells the story of one Alison Bechdel, a tetchy lesbian cartoonist running a pygmy-goat sanctuary in Vermont who is trying to write a memoir about the corrupting influence of money.
—Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 16 June 2025
Our yard has been their favorite sanctuary for decades.
—Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2025
This routine itself has become a creative sanctuary for me.
—Jeff Benjamin, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sanctuary
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 June 2025
Her new novel, Spent, tells the story of one Alison Bechdel, a tetchy lesbian cartoonist running a pygmy-goat sanctuary in Vermont who is trying to write a memoir about the corrupting influence of money.
—Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 16 June 2025
Our yard has been their favorite sanctuary for decades.
—Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2025
This routine itself has become a creative sanctuary for me.
—Jeff Benjamin, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sanctuary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuary
Noun
-
Praise and worship will be at the shrine, along with food trucks and fireworks.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
-
Some pilgrims, unlike me, mark the final kilometers of their journey by advancing to the shrine through the streets on their knees.—
Caitlin Cipolla-McCulloch,
The Conversation,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
Islands can also act as refuges for forms of life that have gone extinct elsewhere, respites for creatures that swim, raft and even walk to the landmasses.—
Riley Black,
Smithsonian Magazine,
25 June 2025
-
Israel’s response has been nothing less than countering Iran’s existential threat to its survival as a refuge and a nation of the Jewish people.—
Dr. Robert G. Rabil,
Sun Sentinel,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
27 June 2025
-
Stocking your storm shelter with non-perishable food items and plenty of water is essential.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
The Trump administration’s budget proposals for EPA represent a striking retreat from the national goals of clean air and clean water enacted in federal laws over the past 55 years.—
Janet McCabe,
The Conversation,
27 June 2025
-
Several House Democrats — including members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus — reportedly urged her to run during a caucus policy retreat, with one lawmaker speaking to her directly about the idea.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sanctuary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuary. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share