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
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
Over the past decade a range of politicians and public figures have called to rebuild asylums in order to address the country’s mental health crisis.
—Jay Neugeboren, The New York Review of Books, 25 May 2025
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
Over the past decade a range of politicians and public figures have called to rebuild asylums in order to address the country’s mental health crisis.
—Jay Neugeboren, The New York Review of Books, 25 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for asylums
Noun
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The organization works with shelters and rescues across the Midwest and Northeast to place dogs where adoption demand is higher.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
4 Feb. 2026
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While snow and ice can be disruptive on their own, a prolonged exposure to cold can amplify the risk, increasing the odds of hypothermia and frostbite, straining shelters and hospitals and turning routine repairs into high-stakes operations.—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Nearby barrier islands like Sanibel, Cabbage Key, and Captiva add to the appeal, with scenic bike paths, wildlife refuges, and smaller communities that feel residential rather than resort-driven.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Jan. 2026
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Another priority was to create little refuges for herself.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Coral planting in Costa Rica, women’s empowerment projects in Morocco, artisan preservation in Japan and Sweden, and elephant sanctuaries in Botswana are embedded into itineraries.—
Daniel Scheffler,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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In keeping with the wellness-first atmosphere, the bathrooms are true sanctuaries carved from limestone and slate, with custom products infused with local lemon, lady’s mantle, and edelweiss.—
Jackie Caradonio,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Wellness travel now accounts for nearly 8 percent of global trips and is a $900 billion industry, with demand rising for retreats that prioritize rest and renewal.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Feb. 2026
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Though archaeologists haven’t confirmed any of the theories, some have postulated a symbolic function, a site of initiation rituals, or spiritual retreats.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In a world where digital currencies vie with traditional havens, Hong Kong’s hub status could bridge fiat, crypto, and commodities.—
Sean Lee,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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With the price of housing, food and other consumer goods elevated and confidence in traditional safe havens being tested, gold is increasingly viewed as a potential portfolio stabilizer rather than a speculative bet.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Asylums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/asylums. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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