Definition of sanctuarynext
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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2

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 West of Indianapolis, this complex melds inspiring display gardens, retail outlets, and events space into one sanctuary. Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 10 Apr. 2026 With full kitchens, massive stone fireplaces, and en-suite sanctuaries for every guest, they are thoughtfully designed for multi-generational travel. Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026 In the two decades that followed, several Quaker, Presbyterian, Catholic and Jewish congregations across America and Canada used their houses of worship as sanctuaries for Central American refugees who were fleeing civil war, government repression and genocide. Menika Dirkson, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026 The wildlife sanctuary was one of about half of the city’s polling places that adopted Wisconsin’s electronic poll book system called Badger Book for this year’s elections. Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sanctuary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuary
Noun
  • In Canberra, Harry also visited the Australian War Memorial, the nation's principal memorial to those who have served and died in war and on operational service, combining a shrine, museum and archive.
    Kylie Walters, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
  • This public artwork and its function — as in, this party and the space’s purpose — feels like a mirror, a temple to self, a shrine to funk, a dedication and invitation to experience what is still so divine and aspirational about the present moment.
    Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Her skin is now nailed to the ceiling of the refuge office.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Art was no longer only a private refuge.
    Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Volunteer Kathy Smith said the shelter, which was founded 72 years ago, is in desperate need of help.
    Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Their first day included a visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital (which Prince Harry's mom, Princess Diana, also visited in 1985) and a solo engagement for Meghan at a women's shelter.
    Helen Murphy, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Set against the eerie backdrop of a remote forest in Germany, the story follows a group of young Americans from the beauty and fashion industry attending a wellness retreat.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026
  • As the president of the National Immigration Law Center and Immigrant Justice Fund, Kica faces pressure with steadiness, rather than retreat.
    Jess Morales Rocketto, Time, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctuary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuary. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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