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
Kerényi shows how the pomegranate goes beyond a mere religious symbol, noting its role as an object of worship as evidenced by votive offerings of terracotta pomegranates in one of Hera’s sanctuaries.
—
Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 2025
Its own limited space, due to being located on a small island off the coast of another island, spurred it to rehome several of its animals to sanctuaries with more space for enclosures larger than the facility in its entirety.
—Bill Bowden, Arkansas Online, 29 Aug. 2025
The hotel has six restaurants and bars, offers a Four-Star spa and provides access to one of the state’s largest nature preserves with two marine sanctuaries.
—Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The Eastern Market distillery on Friday will launch its Hot Honey Bourbon, crafted with Bees in the D honey, a local spot that places hives across the state and on rooftops, turning them into pollinator sanctuaries.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Which communities have been described as immigrant 'sanctuaries'?
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2025
From Florida’s offshore fortresses to California’s marine sanctuaries, these places are open to adventurous visitors and perfect for a late-summer excursion.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2025
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
The island’s clear lagoons are snorkeling sanctuaries where colorful reefs flourish.
—Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 16 Dec. 2024
Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 2025
Its own limited space, due to being located on a small island off the coast of another island, spurred it to rehome several of its animals to sanctuaries with more space for enclosures larger than the facility in its entirety.
—Bill Bowden, Arkansas Online, 29 Aug. 2025
The hotel has six restaurants and bars, offers a Four-Star spa and provides access to one of the state’s largest nature preserves with two marine sanctuaries.
—Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The Eastern Market distillery on Friday will launch its Hot Honey Bourbon, crafted with Bees in the D honey, a local spot that places hives across the state and on rooftops, turning them into pollinator sanctuaries.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Which communities have been described as immigrant 'sanctuaries'?
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2025
From Florida’s offshore fortresses to California’s marine sanctuaries, these places are open to adventurous visitors and perfect for a late-summer excursion.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2025
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
The island’s clear lagoons are snorkeling sanctuaries where colorful reefs flourish.
—Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 16 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuaries
Noun
-
Mist curls through the jungle canopy as Ubud stirs with roosters crowing and incense rising from its ancient temple shrines.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
-
As the sun rose, the vermilion paint that decorates most Shinto shrines to ward off evil and misfortune began to shine dazzlingly.—
Lauren Groff,
The Atlantic,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Both refuges have launched fundraising campaigns to help cover the costs of the operation.—
Bill Bowden,
Arkansas Online,
29 Aug. 2025
-
This is a statement of respect for human life, happiness and dignity — written in stickers proclaiming businesses to be refuges against bullying, in flags flying proudly from city lampposts, in brightly colored paint applied to road surfaces at high-traffic intersections.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Once healthy and socialized, animals are placed with shelters or sent to sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers.—
Meg Dunn,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Each week, The Arizona Republic highlights a select number of the many pets available for adoption at Valley shelters.—
Arizona Republic,
AZCentral.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
However, in a separate ranking of the most peaceful beachside retreats, the Gold Coast ranked third.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Interestingly, in some of these foliage-laden retreats, visitors may more likely bump into a heron than a fellow traveler.—
Jeanine Barone,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Bedrooms are havens of soft colors, rich fabrics, and elegant details.—
Mark David,
Robb Report,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Money markets, which are treated as safe havens, won't lose value since they are fixed at $1 per share, Stovall said, but the income received will go down if interest rates fall in the future.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sanctuaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuaries. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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