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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
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Recent Examples of sanctuary
One exception was a colorful painting installed along both sides of the sanctuary, high above the heads of visitors, to represent the men and women who once crowded into the balcony to observe the proceedings and express their views.
—
Beverly Gage, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026
The egg hunt, for ages 12 and younger, was a draw for savvy parents in the know about the sanctuary.
—Holly Andres, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
The church’s sanctuary, which was built in 1906, remains in good condition, but structural damage at its neighboring 108-year-old church hall has placed its future in question.
—Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Plaster work in the sanctuary and stairwells is largely complete and new insulation installed.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sanctuary
Beverly Gage, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026
The egg hunt, for ages 12 and younger, was a draw for savvy parents in the know about the sanctuary.
—Holly Andres, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
The church’s sanctuary, which was built in 1906, remains in good condition, but structural damage at its neighboring 108-year-old church hall has placed its future in question.
—Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Plaster work in the sanctuary and stairwells is largely complete and new insulation installed.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sanctuary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuary
Noun
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The concierge specializes in Kyoto’s cultural events, and can help access exclusive ochaya with an interpreter, score tickets to the theater, book dinner reservations, a huge help in Kyoto, or help arrange meetings with monks and priests at the city’s Shinto shrines and temples.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Kyoto has some 2,000 shrines and temples.—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Alongside state-level LGBTQ+ resources that have long been known to be some of the strongest in the country, Peoria has become a particularly apt choice for refuge.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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Ghafari’s brother, 70-year-old Sami Ghafari, was among the villagers who sought refuge at the church in Alma al-Shaab.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The shelter takes in about 350 animals each year, providing each one with medical attention, including spaying/neutering, vaccines, a microchip, testing for common illnesses, dewormer and flea and heartworm prevention.—
Amanda Rosa
April 9,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
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Moss can provide shelter for insects like beetles, spiders, ants, cockroaches, and worms.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Following the island's slow pivot to commercial fishing and tourism, Sailrock South Caicos, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World (SLH), debuted in 2017 to offer a luxury retreat, while also preserving the island’s famously undisturbed environment.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
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Mara was credited with just one block, but his mere presence made UConn either throw up circus shots high off the glass or retreat from the paint altogether.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sanctuary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuary. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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