Definition of sanctumnext
1
as in shrine
a place that is considered sacred (as within a religion) the city of Jerusalem is an important sanctum for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike

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 sanctum Make your bedroom a sanctum by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Yazid had never before penetrated the sanctum beyond the living room. Daniyal Mueenuddin, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025 The 17 suites of the new hotel are similarly minimalist sanctums made of polished concrete and dark wood, tucked away in a wilderness fantasia and connected to a main building where guests congregate around an infinity pool and elegant restaurant. David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025 What was once the sanctum of private thought had a microphone. Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanctum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctum
Noun
  • The hilltop structures were originally built as Catholic shrines dedicated to the virgins they're named after, but were turned into military fortresses in the early 1800s—they have since been rehabilitated for tourism.
    Christin Parcerisa Vigueras, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Depending on the season (the camp opens from May through December, when temperatures are pleasant), days fill with picnics in the mountains, visits to Buddhist festivals, or merit-making ceremonies at nearby temples and shrines.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Mystic provided an annual refuge for girls still searching for independence, and many who had spent time at Mystic felt relief to see the camp remain in family hands with a new generation of Eastlands.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 3 May 2026
  • Oystershell scale refers to small insects, resembling their namesake in appearance, that take refuge on lilac bark.
    Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • The whole thing feels more like a seaside sanctuary for people who’ve outgrown the noise.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The results leave St Pauli in 16th and in the relative sanctuary of the play-off place, with Wolfsburg one point behind and Heidenheim still bottom, four points further back.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Wu’s office said the veterans department will continue to provide core services to all qualifying veterans and provide financial and medical assistance to qualifying veterans and their dependents with limited incomes for food, shelter, clothing, and medical care, as required by state law.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 7 May 2026
  • This rock hollowed out by erosion and walled up with stones was likely used by shepherds as a shelter near the historic Sardinian village of Tempio Pausania.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • The amenities a property actually offers — not the marketing language — separate a true luxury wellness retreat from a spa weekend in disguise.
    Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
  • Without that closing piece, even the most luxurious retreat risks becoming a one-time experience rather than a lasting reset.
    Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctum. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

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