as in shelters
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
the embassy serves as an asylum for that country's nationals in need of help
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Recent Examples of asylums
In the first half of the twentieth century, a new spirit of unchecked experimentation swept through the wards of the major asylums of America and Europe as doctors devised increasingly bizarre and sometimes cruel interventions with almost no legal oversight.
—
Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
For example, sociologist Erving Goffman showed that the way care is structured in asylums shaped how patients are treated.
—Jennifer Singh, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026
Such a light as this should shine only on murders and public crime, or along the corridors of lunatic asylums.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Many former asylums are now macabre tourist attractions, whose treatment of their subject matter can range from the sensitive to the sensationalist.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
But worst of all is the knowledge that all of these terrors were trademarks of the asylums that stowed away those with mental health conditions well into the 20th century.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
Both were institutionalized and died in asylums, her under mysterious circumstances, him at the age of 26.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
For example, sociologist Erving Goffman showed that the way care is structured in asylums shaped how patients are treated.
—Jennifer Singh, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026
Such a light as this should shine only on murders and public crime, or along the corridors of lunatic asylums.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Many former asylums are now macabre tourist attractions, whose treatment of their subject matter can range from the sensitive to the sensationalist.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
But worst of all is the knowledge that all of these terrors were trademarks of the asylums that stowed away those with mental health conditions well into the 20th century.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
Both were institutionalized and died in asylums, her under mysterious circumstances, him at the age of 26.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for asylums
Noun
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Smaller thrift stores may re-donate unsold goods to shelters or other organizations, and items that still can't be reused are taken to specialized recycling centers in an effort to keep as much as possible out of landfills.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
13 May 2026
-
Animal advocates said Mityana, a trading center in the country, is infamous for its sham dog rescue shelters.—
Christopher Edwards,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Wildlife refuges and other nature areas protect 40% of Block Island, and residents are renowned for their fierce opposition to anything that might imperil their pristine Atlantic home.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
-
The park preserves not only the trees, but also one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
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,
ABC News,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
The five retreats below — recognized for everything from beginner-friendly yoga to celebrity-grade fitness programming — span coast to coast and price points from accessible to splurge.—
Lauren Schuster,
Sacbee.com,
9 May 2026
-
The property management company, Atlantic Hospitality, also oversees popular area retreats including Sandy Pines Campground in Kennebunkport and Salt Cottages in Bar Harbor.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Independent bookstores are magical havens for the next generation of readers—fostering a community that goes beyond the pages.—
Kat Chen,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
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Some are surf havens with stellar waves, while others cater to families with calm waters and things to do right on the sand.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Asylums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/asylums. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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