variants
also sancta
1
as in shrines
a place that is considered sacred (as within a religion)
the city of Jerusalem is an important sanctum for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in refuges
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
used the cabin in the woods as a sanctum from the commotion and interference of his family
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sanctums
By then, Israeli intelligence had planted a bomb in a Revolutionary Guards guest house that, in addition to killing the political leader of Hamas in Gaza, also demonstrated its ability to penetrate the innermost sanctums of the Iranian regime.
—
Richard Hall, Time, 28 Feb. 2026
His primary qualification for infiltrating the innermost sanctums of Trumpworld would seem to be a vast capacity for cozying up to friends of the Donald.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
The 17 suites of the new hotel are similarly minimalist sanctums made of polished concrete and dark wood, tucked away in a wilderness fantasia and connected to a main building where guests congregate around an infinity pool and elegant restaurant.
—David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Richard Hall, Time, 28 Feb. 2026
His primary qualification for infiltrating the innermost sanctums of Trumpworld would seem to be a vast capacity for cozying up to friends of the Donald.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
The 17 suites of the new hotel are similarly minimalist sanctums made of polished concrete and dark wood, tucked away in a wilderness fantasia and connected to a main building where guests congregate around an infinity pool and elegant restaurant.
—David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctums
Noun
-
Monument Park sits behind the wall in center field, and it’s adorned with shrines, plaques and retired numbers.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
The hilltop structures were originally built as Catholic shrines dedicated to the virgins they're named after, but were turned into military fortresses in the early 1800s—they have since been rehabilitated for tourism.—
Christin Parcerisa Vigueras,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Apr. 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
-
Like rhinos, there are several rhino sanctuaries in the region, as well as the community focused wildlife conservancies and sustainable luxury lodges that are putting this part of East Africa on the travel map.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
15 May 2026
-
As the play reminds us, finding sanctuaries of many kinds in these times can be very difficult to achieve.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
The city has converted several former hotels into shelters and added a handful of tiny home microcommunities to move people indoors from encampments.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
20 May 2026
-
President Gitanas Nauseda and Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene were taken to shelters, and there was also an evacuation order at Lithuania's parliament, the Seimas, the BNS news agency reported.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
No-phone retreats — getaways where resorts lock up, limit or ban personal devices — are emerging as one of 2026’s fastest-growing wellness travel categories, and the demand is reshaping what luxury hospitality looks like from Bali to the Bahamas.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
16 May 2026
-
Most guests adjust to no-phone retreats within 48 hours, according to Cool Places founder Martin Dunford, though the first 24 hours can feel jarring as travelers detach from constant notifications and screens.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
16 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
-
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
Noun
-
The union contrasted member struggles with the residences UC offers to chancellors and below-market-rate mortgages available to certain faculty and executives.—
Jaweed Kaleem,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
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In Europe, London and Paris both apply forms of surcharge or higher taxation on second residences and underused properties.—
Trevor Laurence Jockims,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sanctums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctums. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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