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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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
  • The final and most heartbreaking lesson then is this—that there is utopia, just not for us.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Tejedor is a Swiss filmmaker and journalist whose work explores utopias and the relationship between individuals and authority across the former Soviet Union and its satellite states.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of utopia
Noun
  • Luckily there are a ton of them; we’ve been thrilled to discover that Montreal is a paradise for gluten-free eating.
    — Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • As long as contemplation exists, can there be a paradise without pain?
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of paradise
Noun
  • The painting is commanded by an umbrella pine, which arches high into the butter-yellow heavens, on the right, leaning over the heart of the composition.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Tasting menu guests can expect six courses of heaven, filled with handcrafted pasta, fresh seafood and elevated entrees that with linger with you.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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