Shangri-la

noun

ˌshaŋ-gri-ˈlä How to pronounce Shangri-la (audio)
Definition of Shangri-lanext
as in utopia
an often imaginary place or state of utter perfection and happiness a dreamer who spent much of his life roaming the world in search of his personal Shangri-la

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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 Shangri-la This salon has a roster of 50 different tea blends from which to choose (and tea sommeliers to help out any newbies)—it's Shangri-la for tea snobs. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for Shangri-la
  1. utopia
  2. paradise
  3. heaven
Noun
  • Abandoned by its parties and leaders, and eventually by its own utopias.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 14 July 2026
  • And like all little utopias it is imposed upon by a more complicated and painful reality.
    — Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026
Definition of utopia
Noun
  • Backyard paradise Full outdoor living spaces built for pets and people together — think dog pools, shaded lounge platforms, agility features, and fenced free-run zones integrated into the overall landscape design.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
  • Trump accurately captured communism’s main allure—its promise to create a paradise on Earth.
    — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
Definition of paradise
Noun
  • Plants look simply stunning in the garden, with silvery foliage and heaven-scented blooms abuzz with pollinators.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • The queen of pop swapped her Confessions II-era shiny golden doll-like curls for a high-to-the-heavens mullet.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 22 June 2026
Definition of heaven

Browse Nearby Words

shanghais
Shangri-la
Shangri-las
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Cite this Entry

“Shangri-la.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Shangri-la. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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