1
as in shrines
a place that is considered sacred (as within a religion)
by law, anyone who sought refuge in a religious sanctuary was safe from arrest by the civil authorities
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in refuges
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
the marshland has been set aside as a sanctuary for shorebirds along that section of the coast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sanctuaries
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
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
The fast craft crossing takes about two hours, carrying visitors from Cebu’s urban center to Bohol’s countryside, home to the Chocolate Hills and tarsier sanctuaries.
—Maria Williams, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
After years of minimalism and raw finishes, people crave comfort and warmth, especially in a post-pandemic world where homes serve as sanctuaries.
—Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 7 Jan. 2026
The guest rooms skew coastal, with pale wood accents and white walls, while bathrooms are true sanctuaries, complete with soaking tubs and thick robes.
—AFAR Media, 30 Dec. 2025
Kennedy said his agency is exploring options to retire animals to sanctuaries.
—Madeleine May, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
Sailing aboard a small ship with just 36 passengers, the voyage moves between islands and along remote coastlines, accessing sea caves, marine sanctuaries, and quiet anchorages that large cruise ships simply cannot reach.
—Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Dec. 2025
According to the town's ordinance, zoological activities cover zoos and sanctuaries that care for, display or breed animals and offer educational programs on 100 acres or more.
—Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 11 Dec. 2025
Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
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
The fast craft crossing takes about two hours, carrying visitors from Cebu’s urban center to Bohol’s countryside, home to the Chocolate Hills and tarsier sanctuaries.
—Maria Williams, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
After years of minimalism and raw finishes, people crave comfort and warmth, especially in a post-pandemic world where homes serve as sanctuaries.
—Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 7 Jan. 2026
The guest rooms skew coastal, with pale wood accents and white walls, while bathrooms are true sanctuaries, complete with soaking tubs and thick robes.
—AFAR Media, 30 Dec. 2025
Kennedy said his agency is exploring options to retire animals to sanctuaries.
—Madeleine May, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
Sailing aboard a small ship with just 36 passengers, the voyage moves between islands and along remote coastlines, accessing sea caves, marine sanctuaries, and quiet anchorages that large cruise ships simply cannot reach.
—Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Dec. 2025
According to the town's ordinance, zoological activities cover zoos and sanctuaries that care for, display or breed animals and offer educational programs on 100 acres or more.
—Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 11 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuaries
Noun
-
There are no shrines to Lobotka in the style of those dedicated to Maradona.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Tradition at Yasu Omakase includes the counter itself, a 600-year-old hinoki counter, which is carved from wood usually reserved for Japanese temples and shrines.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Another priority was to create little refuges for herself.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
National organizations like the American Red Cross deployed more than 1,600 disaster workers and opened warming shelters in two dozen states.—
Cat Ward,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Montgomery County During a Code Blue, the county has additional resources for people experiencing homelessness, including access to temporary warming shelters, food and clothing.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In Southern California, Ojai is a serene haven of spiritual retreats, boutique shopping, and lush orange groves.—
Amplified Content Studio,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
These natural springs can be enjoyed at traditional properties like Fujiya Ryokan or at modern retreats such as Amanemu, where guests have access to spa onsens and private onsen baths in every suite and villa.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That’s when traditional havens tend to outperform.—
Georgii Verbitskii,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
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
“Sanctuaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuaries. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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