1
2
as in refuge
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
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
Crucially, the strategy also supports diversifying tourism beyond Machu Picchu, encouraging travelers to explore the wider Sacred Valley and surrounding regions, helping distribute economic benefits while reducing overtourism pressures on the sanctuary itself.
—
Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
The group said that cognitively complex Happy was being illegally detained at the zoo and should be moved to an elephant sanctuary.
—Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 28 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
In the decade since the death of Prince, his estate at Paisley Park has been trying to find new ways to keep the legacy of the creative sanctuary alive — and keep people coming back.
—Hannah Brueske, Twin Cities, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sanctuary
Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
The group said that cognitively complex Happy was being illegally detained at the zoo and should be moved to an elephant sanctuary.
—Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 28 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
In the decade since the death of Prince, his estate at Paisley Park has been trying to find new ways to keep the legacy of the creative sanctuary alive — and keep people coming back.
—Hannah Brueske, Twin Cities, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sanctuary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuary
Noun
-
Mother pleads for help finding son His mother asked community members to check hotels, hostels, capsule hotels, internet cafés, manga cafés, train stations, convenience stores, hiking areas, rivers, shrines and other places.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
-
The importance of shrines and temples to the cultural life of Tokyo can’t be overstated.—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
The department did not immediately respond to a request Sunday for comment about where the eagles took up refuge.—
Samantha Masunaga,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
-
And on June 1, the Jaguar that served as Diana's refuge will become the centerpiece of an auction at The Market auction house in South Oxfordshire, the same business responsible for sales including Queen Elizabeth II's Daimler, George Michael's Range Rover, and Sean Connery's BMW.—
Diego Parrado,
Vanity Fair,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2026
-
Roaches are attracted to food sources, moisture, and shelter.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Sharon is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an Honorary Member of the UK Association of Jungian Analysts, and has taught and lectured at many academic institutions, Jungian organisations, retreat centres and cultural festivals around the world.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
Its exact purpose remains debated — possibly a palatial retreat for the emperor Pachacuti, possibly an administrative and trading center supported by eight access routes.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sanctuary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuary. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
