1
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 Hoffa's sanctuary was an unassuming wooden house and compound on the shore of Lake Orion, 38 miles north of Detroit. Eric Shawn, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2025 The primary suite on the second floor is a cozy sanctuary with a fireplace, dressing room, extensive walk-in closets, and sweeping water views. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 July 2025 As the protesters processed the events that had taken place, some came to the sanctuary to pray regardless of faith: some kneeling, some on prayer mats in the back of the church. Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 The Powerhouse spent $1.5 million in 2023 to buy the Posen property, which has three other buildings in addition to the sanctuary, and has spent nearly $500,000 on renovations thus far, with more to go. Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanctuary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuary
Noun
  • The residue was found in bronze jars at an underground shrine in Paestum, an ancient Greek settlement in modern-day Campania, Italy.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • According to legend, this is where the Archangel Michael set out on his pilgrimage and the town originates in the cave that houses a shrine dedicated to him.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Sabrina Chandler, who manages the wildlife refuge, said at a May meeting of the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association that just 30 Fish and Wildlife staff remain at refuges along the upper river, which cover hundreds of thousands of acres of floodplain.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The Hilton offers quiet refuge, with an exceptional view of the slow-churning Nile 30 feet from the swimming pool and desert hills beyond.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This time, her owner didn’t bring her back to the shelter.
    TJ Macias, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Cotswolds have a rich association with a vein of upper-class establishment conservatism that is in retreat around the world.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Roy Barth, a veteran of all four Grand Slam tournaments as a singles and doubles player, founded the tennis academy at this South Carolina paradise island retreat.
    Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctuary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuary. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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