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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sanctuaries
Intensive predator control programs have minimized the impact of invasive species, and the establishment of predator-free sanctuaries provides safe environments for breeding and raising chicks.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
In that spirit, here is my list of at least a few sanctuaries to find happiness in our media firmament.
—Howard Homonoff, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
The island’s clear lagoons are snorkeling sanctuaries where colorful reefs flourish.
—Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 16 Dec. 2024
Our only interest in Syria is to ensure that jihadists cannot use the country’s ungoverned spaces as sanctuaries to train recruits and orchestrate attacks against the United States and our allies.
—Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 14 Dec. 2024
Such monuments were notable features within Greek cities or sanctuaries.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Your host has invited you into the holiest of sanctuaries and given you a task.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024
Warm days reaching nearly 70 degrees are contrasted with freezing nights, especially in high-altitude sanctuaries such as Sierra Chincua and El Rosario, potentially disrupting the monarchs' traditional overwintering patterns.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 10 Dec. 2024
She was then moved to a permanent home at Black Beauty Ranch, one of America's largest and most diverse animal sanctuaries, located in Texas.
—Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024
Scott Travers, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
In that spirit, here is my list of at least a few sanctuaries to find happiness in our media firmament.
—Howard Homonoff, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
The island’s clear lagoons are snorkeling sanctuaries where colorful reefs flourish.
—Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 16 Dec. 2024
Our only interest in Syria is to ensure that jihadists cannot use the country’s ungoverned spaces as sanctuaries to train recruits and orchestrate attacks against the United States and our allies.
—Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 14 Dec. 2024
Such monuments were notable features within Greek cities or sanctuaries.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Your host has invited you into the holiest of sanctuaries and given you a task.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024
Warm days reaching nearly 70 degrees are contrasted with freezing nights, especially in high-altitude sanctuaries such as Sierra Chincua and El Rosario, potentially disrupting the monarchs' traditional overwintering patterns.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 10 Dec. 2024
She was then moved to a permanent home at Black Beauty Ranch, one of America's largest and most diverse animal sanctuaries, located in Texas.
—Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuaries
havens
Noun
-
In short, both funds should be safe havens for income-hungry investors on more stock-market weakness.—
Michael Foster,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Our homes are meant to be our havens, where families feel secure and the stresses of our professional lives can be safely left behind.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sanctuaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuaries. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share