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as in shrine
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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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 sanctuary In their place, church members and others were invited to gather for a time of prayer in the sanctuary. Evan Mealins, Nashville Tennessean, 12 Oct. 2025 That mirror became my sanctuary. Larry Stansbury, Essence, 10 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 Best Travel Accessories Deals The right travel accessories can turn even the tightest seat into your own little sanctuary. Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanctuary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuary
Noun
  • At the entrance to the town, a Byzantine-style shrine greets visitors, its mosaic depicting a gold-haloed Christ holding a cross in one hand and extending the other.
    Elena Clavarino, Air Mail, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Yet analysts expect her stance on visits to the Yasukuni shrine will soften in office.
    Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Some state parks allow hunting, but national wildlife refuges are closed to hunting unless expressly permitted.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from windows and avoid seeking refuge in large open rooms like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Leaf litter and hollow stems provide critical shelter and insulation for many insects and small animals during the winter.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While not as grand in scale or scope as the aforementioned parks, Erlebnispark Tripsdrill offers a premium day’s retreat for all ages with its unique homage to traditional German culture, superior thrill rides, and countryside landscapes.
    Zachary Laks, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025
  • There is retreat, there is opportunity for enclosure.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctuary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuary. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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