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
Protecting these rare darkness sanctuaries is not only an environmental issue, but a scientific and culture one.
—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Upstairs, the primary bedroom and a generous guest suite function as spa-like sanctuaries, while the lower level is designed entirely for wellness and play, with a gym, steam room, sauna, and rec room, plus two additional bedrooms—including a kid-friendly bunk room.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2025
From the Appalachian Mountains to wide Texas plains, these top Dark Sky sanctuaries offer some of the clearest views in the country, according to research shared with Travel + Leisure from Inghams Walking, a travel company specializing in outdoor adventures.
—Dana Sauchelli, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025
Survivors say they were violated in sanctuaries, at pastors’ homes and in tents on camping trips.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2025
Two other bodies, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the American Sanctuary Association, prohibit tiger breeding altogether for sanctuaries.
—Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
And while some, including PETA, have called for the remaining marine animals to be relocated to seaside sanctuaries, there is a notable lack of such sanctuaries.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
And despite headlines about shootings inside sanctuaries, 71% of homicides occurred outside – in parking lots, courtyards or on steps – when people were gathering or leaving.
—James Densley, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2025
The resort’s remoteness meant that mainland safaris to baobab forests and lemur sanctuaries required a (pricy) helicopter hop, but there was enough to keep us busy on Nosy Ankao and its neighboring islets.
—Chris Schalkx, Vogue, 30 Sep. 2025
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Upstairs, the primary bedroom and a generous guest suite function as spa-like sanctuaries, while the lower level is designed entirely for wellness and play, with a gym, steam room, sauna, and rec room, plus two additional bedrooms—including a kid-friendly bunk room.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2025
From the Appalachian Mountains to wide Texas plains, these top Dark Sky sanctuaries offer some of the clearest views in the country, according to research shared with Travel + Leisure from Inghams Walking, a travel company specializing in outdoor adventures.
—Dana Sauchelli, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025
Survivors say they were violated in sanctuaries, at pastors’ homes and in tents on camping trips.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2025
Two other bodies, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the American Sanctuary Association, prohibit tiger breeding altogether for sanctuaries.
—Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
And while some, including PETA, have called for the remaining marine animals to be relocated to seaside sanctuaries, there is a notable lack of such sanctuaries.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
And despite headlines about shootings inside sanctuaries, 71% of homicides occurred outside – in parking lots, courtyards or on steps – when people were gathering or leaving.
—James Densley, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2025
The resort’s remoteness meant that mainland safaris to baobab forests and lemur sanctuaries required a (pricy) helicopter hop, but there was enough to keep us busy on Nosy Ankao and its neighboring islets.
—Chris Schalkx, Vogue, 30 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuaries
Noun
-
In September and October, temperatures are generally still agreeable enough to explore Tokyo's incredible parks and shrines, including Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and Ueno Park.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Sep. 2025
-
The alleged crimes include graffiti left on churches and religious shrines of different denominations in Bankers Hill, Golden Hill, Hillcrest and North Park, police said.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Some state parks allow hunting, but national wildlife refuges are closed to hunting unless expressly permitted.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
15 Oct. 2025
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But others argue that support for transgender people has infringed on the rights of biological women and their safety in spaces such as hospitals, prisons and domestic violence refuges.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Jury Paulson, director of community impact at Harvesters, said partners of the food bank — including pantries, shelters and soup kitchens — are anxious right now.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
31 Oct. 2025
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The former hurricane unleashed catastrophic flooding in Haiti, damaging homes and forcing thousands of people into emergency shelters.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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From remodels to new construction, or family homes to vacation retreats, The Residency Bureau takes on projects of all sizes and types, working with clients both locally and further afield.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
3 Nov. 2025
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There are splurge-worthy retreats that make for a highly memorable milestone celebration.—
Jacqui Gifford,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Deer will move into these safe havens (and away from the pressured property lines) and visit the secure food plots in daylight.—
Will Brantley,
Outdoor Life,
29 Oct. 2025
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Risk-sensitive currencies like the Australian and New Zealand dollars climbed against the greenback in early trading, outperforming major peers, while havens including the Swiss franc and Japanese yen edged lower.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sanctuaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuaries. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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