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
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Recent Examples of sanctuaries
Read on for a peek into her personal sanctuaries.
—
Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 15 June 2026
Bald eagles, owls, hawks, falcons and vultures are all among the birds of prey visitors can see when visiting the 3-acre property on Lake Sybelia, which is one of 55 Audubon centers and sanctuaries nationwide.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
Two years later, voters in several Chittenden County towns formed the park district to conserve nature in the river valley, build ways for people to appreciate it and create sanctuaries.
—Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Staying active is also not confined to the brick-and-mortar gym anymore, especially after Covid-era restrictions influenced many to build sweat sanctuaries at home, invest in equipment like Pelotons, or simply power on a YouTube video and hop on a yoga mat in their living rooms.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
Both the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem and the Palladium Ballroom in midtown, sanctuaries of Lindy Hop, mambo, and salsa, were integrated.
—Marina Harss, New Yorker, 3 June 2026
One is the widespread sense that homes are sanctuaries reserved for oneself and one’s immediate family.
—Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
Just 30 minutes from San Juan, the property is a 493-acre frontier cradled by two massive nature sanctuaries.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 May 2026
California schools should absolutely be sanctuaries for all students, regardless of their immigration status or gender identity.
—Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 15 June 2026
Bald eagles, owls, hawks, falcons and vultures are all among the birds of prey visitors can see when visiting the 3-acre property on Lake Sybelia, which is one of 55 Audubon centers and sanctuaries nationwide.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
Two years later, voters in several Chittenden County towns formed the park district to conserve nature in the river valley, build ways for people to appreciate it and create sanctuaries.
—Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Staying active is also not confined to the brick-and-mortar gym anymore, especially after Covid-era restrictions influenced many to build sweat sanctuaries at home, invest in equipment like Pelotons, or simply power on a YouTube video and hop on a yoga mat in their living rooms.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
Both the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem and the Palladium Ballroom in midtown, sanctuaries of Lindy Hop, mambo, and salsa, were integrated.
—Marina Harss, New Yorker, 3 June 2026
One is the widespread sense that homes are sanctuaries reserved for oneself and one’s immediate family.
—Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
Just 30 minutes from San Juan, the property is a 493-acre frontier cradled by two massive nature sanctuaries.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 May 2026
California schools should absolutely be sanctuaries for all students, regardless of their immigration status or gender identity.
—Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuaries
Noun
-
Religious pilgrimages to local shrines mix piety with communal festivities and music.—
Nicole Winfield,
Chicago Tribune,
7 June 2026
-
The forest is full of small challenges, not unlike the shrines in Tears of the Kingdom.—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Under a 99-year agreement renegotiated in 2020, the property is owned by the Army but managed as one of the nation’s 573 national wildlife refuges managed by USFWS.—
Andrew McKean,
Outdoor Life,
18 June 2026
-
The Family Fun Adventure Package includes ziplining, exploring wildlife refuges, beaches, and waterfalls, as well as S'mores at the firepit, and salsa lessons.—
Brandon Withrow,
Travel + Leisure,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Places to shelter can include storm shelters, basements or interior hallways without windows.—
Finch Walker,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
-
Santa Clara County’s most recent homelessness report found families with children were more likely to land in shelters or temporary housing, leaving older adults without children more likely to remain unsheltered.—
Panashe Matemba-Mutasa,
Mercury News,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Eileen Underwood leads Magic Kingdom’s Security team, which conducts the flag retreats.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
-
Where to Stay Ojai has a wide range of lodging options, ranging from colorful, family-friendly stays to upscale retreats.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Forbes Travel Guide’s Best Hotel Bars For 2026 Hotel bars are havens for travelers—locals, too—and to honor the watering holes on the top shelf, Forbes Travel Guide recently released its 2026 Hotel Star Bars, which spans 18 countries, from Singapore to Scotland.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
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In the late 1800s, 10 houses of refuge were built along Florida’s Atlantic Coast as havens for shipwrecked sailors and travelers.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sanctuaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuaries. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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